THE FOLKLORE
Fairies have been a large part of Celtic culture for centuries. They give explanations to the unexplainable events that happen around us in the world. They are said to live in the rolling hills of the region or in another place that is a sort of limbo between worlds. The tales and myths of fairies have been spread by word of mouth for hundred of years.
There are rituals and traditions that have been woven into daily life for people. An example of this includes putting a new spade into the earth of a site for a planned new home. If the owner of the land returns in the morning to find the fairies had not taken his spade, then the land is safe to build on. Uncertainties of life are explained by the fairies influence in the balance of the world. This balance is overseen by fairies aiding in the good and misfortune of humans. Sometimes people may find their neighbors crops flourishing, while they themselves struggle to get their cow to produce milk. It is all in the balance of the universe.
Offerings can be made to fairies to get oneself in their favor. Fires within homes are not to be fully put out at night, but only smothered so the fairies may have warmth at night when they visit. Food and alcohol were put on peoples doorsteps as offerings to the fey. Things like milk, bread, vegetables, liquor, and mead were said to usually satisfy the fair folk to get in their good graces and bring luck upon oneself.
Today, the fairies of Celtic Mythology are still very much alive. There are six nations that are officially recognized as Celtic by the Celtic League today: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Isle of Man, and Cornwall. These nations still uphold the lore of stories, traditions, and rituals of days past where fairies are concerned. Spades are still put into the ground before construction and food is still left on doorsteps. Stories of specific fairies have turned into cautionary tales for children and adults alike. These stories that were always spread by word of mouth have made their way into literature that anyone can now read. To find out more about the most popular fairies today, click the Meet the Fairies tab at the top of the page.