DRESSING OF THE SACRED SPRING

 Homage is paid to the benevolent spirit of the spring.

Nature worship was at the heart of the celtic Pagan religion. The Celts believed the Divine to be inherent in the landscape, with every feature inhabited by the spirits of nature. To the early celts, springs, rivers and lakes of the Isle of the Mighty were the dwelling places of the spirits of water. For this reason many streams (especially springs) were considered sacred sites, each with its guardian spirit.

The fresh waters that spring from the earth were thought to carry gifts from the underworld--cures for the sick, and in some instances, knowledge, inspiration, and future sight. Some wells were said to restore life; if offended, teh spirit would also take life, rising up and drowning the culprit.



Given that the spirits of water were generally considered feminine, the dressing rites, and offerings to the goddess of the spring are thought to hve been performed by women. This traidtion, though somewhat modified, continues to be practiced in May or Midsummer in some parts of Britain. The wells were dressed with flowers, beads, shells, and other decorative natural treasures.



Judging by the numerous bent pins found in wells, pins were a popular offering. The swords, shields and other rich objects found in the beds of rivers, lakes, and wells are a testament to the importance of the aqua goddesses.



The veneration of the well continues in the Arthurian world, where the fountain often appears with the "Ageless Elders" (Tthe fAy of Eternal Youth) and remains the favored site of the broken-hearted. Though the springs later took on a Christian semblance, some of the early celtic practices continued. In the modern world, clooties (small swatches of cloth) are still tied to neighboring trees or left to rot near the spring, and the common custom of dropping a coin into a well echoes the early votive offerings of the pre-Christian celts.

 

 

Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (219)

 

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