Celtic Life International May/June 2024 Vol.38 No.3

For all intents and purposes, the people that exist on this planet today are a genetically homogeneous species. While small genetic variants can be found from one geographic region to another, the difference in the human genome is remarkably small. Race is a social construct and, thus, the only factor that truly differentiates us from one another is our culture. So, that said, what defines a culture? A shared language is intrinsic - allowing for rituals, symbols, social norms, and beliefs to be communicated effectively. Flourishing cultures also reveal themselves through their cuisine, mythologies, music, art, and so forth. The Celts are renowned for their culture - one that is steeped in legends and lore, with deep connections to the natural world. Although ancient, with roots dating back to the…

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Why is poetry and song so important to Celtic culture? This is a surprisingly difficult question to answer beyond the simple, almost tautological declaration that poetry is an essential part of the Celtic identity. One of the most eloquent assertions of this was made in the 13th century by Giolla Brighde Mhac Con Midhe when he wrote, Dá mBáidhthi an dán, a dhaoineGan seanchas, gan seanlaoidhe,Go bráth, acht athair gach fhír,Rachaidh cách gan a chluinsin Should poetry be drowned, O PeopleWithout ancient lore, without the old lays,Till Judgment, save for the father of every man,All will pass away without ever being heard of. This doesn’t really answer the question, though, and ever since the Celtic Renaissance Romanticism has invested the importance of poetry to the Celts with a yearning for…

1 Scottish Fashion Spotlight A Scottish fashion designer was in for a surprise when pop star Taylor Swift stepped out in a dress from her collection. Recently, Swift was spotted strolling in Brooklyn wearing a green velvet dress, and photos soon circulated online. Jade Robertson, cofounder of Little Lies, recognized the dress when a member of her design team sent her the photo. The Perth-based company has a number of designs inspired by Stevie Nicks, including the piece sported by Swift. The dress in question sold out - well - swiftly. 2 World Surfing Championship A Cornish woman took home a gold medal after competing in a surf competition in California. The 2023 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Para Surfing Championship took place in mid-November, seeing 184 athletes from 27…

Hill Pony Resources The Dartmoor Pony is native to Devon County and has lived in England for hundreds of years. In the 18th Century, the ponies were used for work in the coal mines, and, in the 19th Century, they were bred with other types of horses to become polo ponies. Like its descendant, the Newfoundland Pony, the Dartmoor Pony population declined in part due to changes in legislation. Fortunately, organizations have popped up in hopes of protecting and preserving the remaining animals. One such organization is a pony rescue in Cornwall that has saved 120 ponies and counting. Hill Pony Resources is a charity, owned by Mary Houghton, which has cared for and rehomed Dartmoor Hill ponies since 2014. The rescue is based in Callington, not far from Dartmoor…

Northern Nevada Celtic Ceilidh May 18, 2024 Reno, NV www.irishnevada.org This spring, the Sons & Daughters of Erin (SADOE) will host the Northern Nevada Celtic Ceilidh in the Reno Brewery District of downtown Reno. The annual, day-long gathering will serve up an array of activities for visitors, including performances from the Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band, Scottish Dancers, local Celtic entertainers, renaissance actors, and more. Musical headliners include Seamus Kennedy from Maryland, the Dropkick Mickeys from Southern California, and Reno favorites The Blarney Band. Clan tents and vendors will be on site as well. The festival continues the legacy and traditions of the region’s original Celtic Celebration, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A non-profit Irish Heritage organization, SADOE presents and sponsors Celtic entertainment, celebrates Irish history and culture,…