Essay on Indigenous Religion Druid Religion - 672 Words

The Druids are a major division of Indigenous Religion and are located in the British Isles and Scotland. The Druids are most commonly associated with the Indigenous Celtic people of Ireland. Druids are known to have existed as far back as 3rd century B.C.E. (History of Britain: Rise and Fall of the Druids) The Druids passed down rituals and history through stories rather than through written text so a lot is still unknown about how they lived. There are still many people in today’s culture who actively practice Druidism. Today, Druidism is split into two sects, Cultural Druidism or Religious Druidism. Cultural Druids are classified by having descendants who are Druids. Usually these people lightly follow the practices of Druidism but most†¦show more content†¦Many people associate Druids with both animal and human sacrifice during their rituals although it has never been historically proven. The druids are also known for creating stone circles to perform their ritual s in. It is believed that they created these open stone circles because thought it was degrading to the gods to confine them with walls during rituals (Partington, 635). In Britain and Ireland there are more than 1,300 stone circles attributed to the Druids. The most famous of these stone circles is Stonehenge in England. It is believed that these stone circles are used during their Midsummers Eve Rituals (Knight 17). Today on June 22nd, the Druids gather at Stonehenge. At sunrise they perform a sacred ritual on the alter stone which is ended by an ancient horn being blown in the four directions. (Matthews, 135). Another festival celebrated by the Druids is Lammas Day or the Celtic Celebration of Lughnasadh. This festival took place in the fall time around the beginning of August. The celebration was held to mark the gathering of all the tribes at the height of summer. (Matthews, 138). Cauldrons, in particular Cauldron of Ceridwen, are commonly mentioned as being a part of ritual fo r the Druids. These cauldrons were used to mash up plants and â€Å"the water of inspiration and science† (Davies, 217-218). It was believed that tasting a drop of the water would open up the future for the persons viewing. Today Druidism is still an activelyShow MoreRelatedThe Development Of Sustainable Development1096 Words   |  5 Pagesexpression, as well as limited the spread of conscious, religion and local culture, which was contrary to the UK Human Rights. Arthur Pendragon, an English eco-campaigner, insisted on the legal battle with English Heritage about Stonehenge. Pendragon is a leader of the religion named Neo-Druidism, which provides a spiritual path for people that loves harmony and nature, at the same time, respects life and environment. 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