The Celtic Fear of Death: Omens, Wakes, and Protections for the Soul

This project analyzes how the uncertainty in the process of death and grieving influenced the creation of specific folklore beliefs and superstitions of Celtic societies. It examines how these specific folklore beliefs and superstitions impacted historical development, shaped ideologies, and altered cultural beliefs. The specific folklore that will be examined will include death omens, wake customs, and protections for the soul. The project will focus on contemporary Celtic societies ranging from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, including Ireland and Scotland as well as the extended Gaelic societies. Ancient Celts will be examined to provide the foundational customs that developed the beliefs. Origins of Celtic beliefs and superstitions are ancient, dating as far back as the Iron Age but historical records of this culture are fragmented and largely assembled from outside observers or through retellings of myths, losing the originating meanings. A central Celtic belief was the existence of numerous separate realms and the immortality of the soul. This belief is significant to the creation of practices in the progression of death and grief. Exploring these folklore beliefs and superstitions from the perspective of them being a by-product of uncertainty or the unknown of death and the significance of grief will provide further context into why and how they influenced and impacted beliefs, ideologies, and social practices. Presenting the project in the form of a podcast will display the connection between death, folklore, and Celtic culture by creating a story-telling atmosphere as well as link the oral origins of folklore.