Custom of horse racing, gathering carrots and celebrations on the Isle of Barra on saints days, 25 September 1872
Item
Identifier: Coll-97/CW90/109
Scope and Contents
Custom of horse racing, gathering carrots and celebrations on the Isle of Barra [Barraigh] on saints days including that on La Fheill Barra [St Barr's Day] and St Michael's Day [La Fheill Mìcheil] men would race horses three times round the cemetery at Cille Bharra and at Borve [Borgh] respectively. The man would always have a woman sitting behind him. Also, after mass on the Sunday, girls would dig up wild carrots and collect them in the pockets of a while plaid with red stripes. The cloth used for their new dresses would be fine enough to draw it through a finger ring. After gathering carrots, they would have a party.
Dates
- 25 September 1872
Language of Materials
Gaelic,English
Conditions Governing Access
This material is unrestricted.
Extent
From the Series: 72 folios ; 12.7 x 20 cm
Physical Location
5.07
Physical Location
folio 43r, line 20 to folio 43v, line 14
Bibliography
Carmichael, Alexander, Carmina Gadelica, vol. III (Edinburgh, 1940), pp. 140-143
Martin, Martin A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland circa 1695 (Edinburgh, 1994), pp. 163-164
Martin, Martin A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland circa 1695 (Edinburgh, 1994), pp. 163-164
Creator
- From the Fonds: Carmichael, Alexander, 1832-1912 (Excise officer | folklorist and antiquarian | Edinburgh | Scotland) (Person)
- From the Fonds: Watson, William John, 1865-1948 (Professor of Celtic) (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk