Custom of horse racing, gathering carrots and celebrations on the Isle of Barra on saints days, 25 September 1872
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
- Creation: 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
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
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
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Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
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