Celtic Feasting & Customs

     Most of us would agree that a language defines a culture. With that there are its funerary practices, styles of art, how they celebrate their faith and honor their Gods and so forth. One thing often left out is how people feasted. Each culture would have its own customs of dinning. For instance the Greeks would have had traditions much different from the Scythians or the Hebrews, just as the Celts would have been different from them and even the Germani (The Peoples East of the Rhine) Among the Celtic tribes, mainly those of ancient Gaul, we have a considerable amount of information. I'm intending to share some of the fragments that we have from historical accounts dealing with eating and drinking. So, grab yourself a pint and lets dig in. 

Plato 4th century BC

   I am not discussing the drinking of wine nor drinking in general, but outright drunkenness, and whether we ought to follow the custom of the Scythians and Persians, and also the Carthaginians, Celts, Iberians, and Thracians, all very warlike peoples, or be like you Spartans, who, as you claim, abstain totally from drink. 

Athenaeus AD 200 Deipnosophistae 

Trans. Philip Freeman 

From Posidonius in his Histories (135-c 50 BC)

   The Celts place dried grass on the ground when they eat their meals, using tables which are raised slightly off the ground. They eat only small amounts of bread, but large quantities of meat, either boiled, roasted, or cooked on spits. They dine on this meat in a clean but lion-like manner, holding up whole joints in both hands and biting the meat off the bone. If a piece of meat is too difficult to tear off, they cut it with a small knife which is conveniently at hand in its own sheath. Those who live near rivers, the Mediterranean, or the Atlantic also eat fish baked with salt, vinegar, and cumin. They also use cumin in their wine. They do not use olive oil because of its scarcity and, due to is unfamiliarity, it has an unpleasant taste to them. When a number of them dine together, they sit in a circle with the most powerful man in the center like a chorus leader, whether his power is due to martial skill, family nobility, or wealth. Beside him sit the remainder of the dinner guests in descending order of importance according to rank. Bodyguards with shields stand close by them while their spear-men sit across from them, feasting together with their leaders. The servers bring drinks in clay or silver vessels resembling spouted cups. The platters on which they serve the food often are of similar material, but others use bronze, wooden, or woven trays. The drink of choice among the wealthy is wine brought from Italy or the region of Massalia (the Greek colony ay Marseilles). It is normally drunk unmixed with water, although sometimes water is added. Most of the rest of the population drinks a plain, honeyed beer, which is called corma. They use a common cup, sipping only a little at a time, but sipping frequently. The servant carries the cup around from right to left. In the same direction they honor their gods, turning to the right. 

   The Celts sometimes engage in single combat during their feasts. Arming themselves, they engage in mock-fights and sparring sessions with each other. Sometimes however, wounds are inflicted and these mock-battles lead to real killing unless the bystanders restrain the combatants. In their ancient times, the best warriors received the thigh portion during feasts. If another man were to challenge his right to the choicest portion, a duel was fought to the death. Others in former days would collect silver, gold, or a number of wine jars. Having received gift-pledges and distributed gifts among friends and family they would stretch themselves out across their shileds on their backs and then someone standing near would cut their throats with a sword. 

Diodorus Siculus (wrote 60-c 30 BC) 

Trans. Philip Freeman 

   Some shave their beards while others allow a short growth, but nobles shave their cheeks and allow the mustache to grow until it covers the mouth. The result is that their mustaches become mixed with food while they eat, but serve as a sort of strainer when they drink. They do not sit in chairs when they dine, but sit on the ground using the skins of wolves or dogs. While dining they are served by adolescents, both male and female. Nearby are blazing hearths and cauldrons with spits of meat. They honor the brave warriors with the choicest portion, just as Homer says that the chieftains honored Ajax when he returned having defeated Hector in single combat. They also invite strangers to their feasts, inquiring of their identity and business only after the meal. During feasts it is their custom to be provoked by idle comments into heated disputes, followed by challenges and single combat to the death. They do not fear death, but subscribe to the doctrine of Pythagorus that the human spirit is immortal and will enter a new body after a fixed number of years. For this reason some will cast letters to their relatives on funeral pyres, believing that the dead will be able to read them. 

Strabo (64/63 BC-AD 21 at least) Geography

Trans. Benjamin Fortson

   There is also a certain wooden weapon like a grosphos, cast by handed not from a thong, and having a longer range than arrows; these they use most of all for hunting fowl. Even to the present day most of them sleep on the ground, and eat sitting on beds of straw. Most of their nourishment comes from milk and all kinds of meats, especially pork, both fresh and slated. Their pigs live in the open, excelling in height, and strength, and speed; in fact it is dangerous for an inexperienced person to go up to them, as it is for a wolf.

   At assemblies they have a peculiar practice is anyone should disturb the person speaking and interrupt him, an officer, approaching him with drawn sword, orders him to be silent with a threat; and if he does not cease, he does it a second and third time, and at last cuts off enough of the man's 'sagus' {"sagi/sagus" which they call lainai -probably a cloak} as to make it useless for the future. 

   As we can see from the Historical accounts there was a common them that seems to connect Feasting Customs, at least across Gaul. The similarities between them and the Brythonic Celts and the Gaels of Ireland are probably very close in custom. If one wishes to become more familiar with the Insular traditions it is best to read as much as you can of the stories that concern or have feasting within them. Here are some I feel provide a wonderful glimpse into the Gaelic and Brythonic culture. 

    

The Story of Mac Dá Thó's Pig & Hound 

Bricriu's Feast

The Severed head in the Feninan cycle

     Now that we have eaten the 'Heros Portion' so to speak, how can we adopt and even adapt what we know from the lore and the historical accounts into our own Celtic feasting traditions. Those of us that honor the Old Ways might be inspired to use what we have gained here for we will how feast after our rituals and festivals. 

Some modern feasting customs

    If you are like me and value the culture of the Celts, just as much as the spirituality you might wish to partake in some customs and traditions that define our culture in how we feast. It could argued that if the following customs are celebrated, an ancestor from ancient times would still know they are amongst kin folk due to these traditions. Here is a small list of things that you could incorporate into your festivals & gatherings. 

~ When Guests arrive you offer them a sip from a "Welcoming Cup". This beverage need not be alcoholic, though some good choices are Mead, Wine, Ale, Hard Cider, Apple Juice or Non-Alcoholic Cider. We use a drinking horn or a Scottish Quaich. Remember if using a Quaich always use two hands while passing and receiving. 

~ Welcome them in with a hug or a hearty handshake and any good welcoming phrase in Irish/Scottish/Welsh/Manx/Cornish/Breton or even Gaulish. Something simple like, "Céad Míle Fáilte" (Kay-ad mill-uh Fall-cha) is fine if you wish. You could even say this as you hand them the 'welcoming cup'. 

~ Hosting an event should be done with great care. The job of hosting is very serious. You want your home to be clean, free of clutter, organized, and have dedicated room for feasting and even games or dancing. Your home reflects your family. 

~ Try to serve traditional dishes that are in season to which ever festival is being celebrated. Local grown food is always best. Are you serving meats? Can you obtain local organic grass fed free range? Maybe you hunt? so perhaps deer, or wild boar, duck and goose, rabbit, etc.  Can you grow your own herbs and vegetables to be used for at least festival celebrations? Will there be milk, cream or butter? Can you obtain 'raw milk' (tested) instead of store bought rubbish? What about the alcohol, can you homebrew or make the mead yourself? So Much to consider when being a host. 

~ Make sure there is plenty of everything and that no one goes without. 

~ It is common for guests to bring gifts when visiting. Commonly this is often a bottle of wine, mead, or beer. Though there are other gifts might consider like candles, and breads, or even deserts. *Breads served or brought are always best when homemade if possible. 

~ Seating arrangements are taken seriously. Who sits where and why is important. The one hosting the event might arrange a table with pre-placed name cards to avoid confusion. Know your company, who does what for a living, etc. After all this is a feast, they should at least be family or close friends. If there will be new guests, its good to know a bit about them to make them feel special. 

~ Who eats 1st and why. Who is served 1st and how things are passed around the table also play an important role. It is not a grab for yourself free for all. Things are passed right to left. 

~ Have dedicated people for serving food and drinks. Are there teenagers present? They can best be of service to wait on those who need refills, before they can eat. 

~ Someone may be served "The Hero's portion" of the meal. Are there any people of military service, veterans, law enforcement, or even those in the martial arts at your table? Possibly just someone that has accomplished some great deed or feat within their personal lives for the benefit of the "the people" or others within the community. 

~ All offerings, blessings, and callings are done by the Druid/Draoi only. (In the Irish/Scottish language) This includes any portion dedicated as a meal offering left outside or at the table. Unless of course there is a dedicated person who makes the sacrifice for the people. Others may wish to make an offering and in doing so, give them to the Draoi or dedicated person to make the sacrifice on their behalf. Remember most often in Celtic culture 'the people' went to the Druid because they were the mediators between the Gods and the people. They had the power of word and education to be of service, it was their job. Let them be of service. 

~ Toasting should be done by all present and lots of toasting should be practiced. Toasts to the ancestors, the Gods, and Heroes. Just as important is toasting to one another & those whom could not be present at the feast. 

~ At the table there could be stories, songs, poetry and music. Consider having a seisiún "session" after the meal. Sing songs together. 

~ You may also wish to include a Mead Circling which is similar to the Germanic custom of a Symbel. 

~ A proper parting/blessing to your guests is good form. You may wish to offer them a care package of food to take home for the next day or for those that could not attend. I always using the 'welcoming cup' full of Milk and a special spoon I carved from Rowan (protection) to pour milk over the tires of the departing ones vehicle. I do so clockwise while singing a blessing. I generally reserve this practice for those guests that i don't see often that travel long distances to visit. You may chose to use something like this:

A Journey blessing

Sith co Nem Peace up to the heavens.

Nem co doman         Heavens down to earth.

Doman fo nem Earth under heavens

Nearst hi cach Strength in all

Nan Diathan a tha san talamh Gods in the earth

Nan Diathan a tha san neamh Gods in the sky

Nan Diathan a tha sa mhuir mhóir bhòcaich  Gods in the great pouring sea

Dìon nan Diathan air An àite An rud seo.  Protection of the gods on this object. 

Gu robh beannachd na Diathan agus ar Sinnsearan air an àite An rud seo. May the gods and ancestors bless this object.

Manannan bhith leat air gach bealach. Manannan be with you in every pass.

Manannan bhith leat air gach talach. Manannan be with you on every hill.

Manannan bhith leat air gach strutha. Manannan be with you at every stream.

Ruadh, s’raighe, is rèid lein. Headland ridge and lawn.

Gach muir is tir, gach frith is cluan. Each sea and land, each moor and meadow.

Gach laighe sios, gach éirigh suas. Each lying down, each rising up.

An lag nantonn, air barr nan stuagh. In trough of waves, on crest of billows.

Gach ceum dh’an chuart dh’an téid thu. Each step of the journey you go.

Ón áit os comhair àr sùile chuig an áit istigh iontu.  From before our eyes to within them.

~ The host may have a special welcoming & greetings for the Guests at the meal before it begins after the Druid speaks 1st.

~ The Draoi might do a blessings over the meal, over the guests, and over the offerings most likely in Irish or Scottish.

If you are the host you could use this:

Blessings on the Blossoms

Blessings on the Fruits

Blessings on the Leaves and Stems

Blessings on the Roots.

My family often uses this. You may adjust it for your needs. 

We give praise to the Túatha dé Dannan, the Gods of our people and our Ancestors. 

We thank you for this meal and all that has come before it. 

Bless the Field and the Fruit

The Hunter and the Hunted

The Hands and the Harvest

The Brewer and the Brew

and the Home and the Hearth 

or

Bless 

Host and host

Hunter and hunted

Hands and harvest

Hearth and hall

Field and fruit

Feast and friends

Cup and contents

Tongues and tales

Singers and songs

Other wonderful Feasts ideas might include:

~ Playing Fidchell, or Chess or other board games. Maybe you are a DnD family? 

Have you ever heard of the New Celtic Card Game called Ard Rí https://www.culturlan.com/pages/ard-riIts Both children and Adults can play, there are three versions of skill level. 

~ You may wish to have certain topics to discuss but be sure its not NOT business related. No "business meeting like" topics. Remember the Gauls only talked business after a meal, and if interruption in conversation was had it was highly offensive. If this feast is related to something you do with your Tribe, Grove, Coven, etc remember the mood should be Festive! This is not a communication meeting or a time for group business while eating. That is done at other times or after the meal. Perhaps such topics are best left for tea & cookies, lunch type meetings. If there is important issues to be brought up, after the meal would be at least better form. 

~ Divination after a meal might be offered privately or for the group. 

~ Music with dancing can always be fun! Are there any Irish dancers in your family, Sean Nos dancing anyone? If you don't have live musicians, why not make a music play list for feasting, and one for after the feast for drinking, dancing or other merriment. Its nice to have some relaxing eating music and more upbeat tunes after the meal. We live in a time where you could add your playlist to your phone or usb drive and just plug in, hit play, and 'shake yer bum' it's that easy. Let the little ones show you how its done! 

~ Since we are not in practice of carrying swords you could always have hand to hand combat, arm wrestle, wrestle/grapple. But of course what would a Celtic meal be without some real feats of strength? "George, go fight your Father!" There are wonderful practice weapons one can obtain for those braggadocio moments of heated debate during meals where you may wish to engage in combat. Having personally done this many times I can tell you, there is nothing that makes me feel more connected to my ancestors than having just finished swallowing some delicious roasted pork and grabbing my practice sword to defend my stance on an issue. "I call you out on your B.S. 'Mr. know it all', take that!" And of course in good form knowing when to call it, and return to the festivities.