tSamhraidh

tSamhraidh is a traditional Irish summer festival. Its name translates from Irish as "of summer". Historically, it was celebrated during the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, around June 21st. While the exact origins are debated, it is believed to have roots in ancient Celtic practices related to the sun and the abundance of the summer season.

The festival's customs varied across different regions of Ireland. Common elements included bonfires, feasting, and music. It was a time for communities to gather and celebrate the peak of summer's fertility and light. There are also accounts of offerings being made to deities or nature spirits to ensure a good harvest and prosperity.

Modern celebrations of tSamhraidh are less widespread and often more secular in nature. However, some cultural groups and individuals continue to observe the festival, incorporating elements of its traditional practices. These contemporary observances often focus on connecting with nature, celebrating Irish heritage, and acknowledging the cyclical passage of the seasons. The spirit of tSamhraidh, at its core, represents a celebration of light, life, and the bounty of summer.