A chara, – I suggest we make November 1st, Samhain, our new public holiday.
This is the day the cailleach or the Irish winter goddess is born. This cailleach or goddess is also referred to as the mother goddess of Ireland and was often feared as it was she who held the power of life and death in her hands during the harsh winter months.
In folklore, she is born ancient and grows younger and more powerful during the short, dark days until eventually she is transfigured as the goddess Brigit on February 1st.
While the young and beautiful Brigit would be a noble matron for a proposed new bank holiday, I think the cailleach or winter goddess would be more deserving of this title for it is she who has within her not only endurance and perseverance, but the wonderful and life-giving essence of all other goddesses.
- Le meas,
SÍLE NÍ CHOINCHEANNAIN,
Carrigaholt, Co Clare.
Sir, – It’s time that Good Friday is declared a public holiday and not just a bank holiday.
It would end the confusion of who is working and who is not on that day!
Time to sort this one.
– Yours, etc,
JOAN PURCELL,
Thurles, Co Tipperary.