Irish Superstitions - Softcover

Daithi O Hogain

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0717133710 ISBN 13: 9780717133710

Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd, 2002

Synopsis

Popular guide to folk beliefs, old wives tales and other spooky stuff from the Irish countryside from one of Ireland s leading folklorists. Irish Superstitions includes a list of good-luck charms, old wives' tales, spells, soothsayings and other irrational but charming and creative folk beliefs. There are charms and spells to make the crops grow, to keep cattle healthy, to ensure safe childbirth, and many other longed-for desires. Most superstitions are of pagan origin; many were overlaid with popular Christian belief.

About this title

About the Author:

The late Dáithí Ó hÓgáin was the author of several books of poetry, short stories and academic research. Born in Bruff, Co. Limerick, Dáithí Ó hÓgáin was educated at University College Dublin. As Professor of Irish Folklore in UCD, his main interests lay in the interplay between folklore and literature and the ways in which folklore enriches the individual imagination and creative culture. Ó hÓgáin was the author of six collections of poetry, among them Cois Camhaoireach, Idir an Dá Dhealbh and Footsteps from Another World, and three short story collections: Breacadh, Imeall an Bhaile and Scéalta Nua. His literary and folklore research includes Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Celtic Warriors, The Sacred Isle, The Celts A History and Ireland People and Places. He was a well-known broadcaster on radio and television, and also had four radio plays produced.

Synopsis:

One of Ireland's leading folklorists gives a brisk summary of some of the more popular superstitions and folk beliefs in the country. Here is a list of good-luck charms, spells, sooth sayings and other irrational but charming folk beliefs. Here we have leprechauns and sprites, ghosts, the evil eye and Wise Women's curses. There are charms and spells to make the crops grow, to keep cattle healthy to ensure safe childbirth and many other longed-for desires. Most superstitions are of pagan origin: many were overlaid with popular Christian belief. This edition is re-designed, re-formatted and bound in an attractive new cover.

About this edition

• Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0717133710
• ISBN 13: 9780717133710
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144