Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions

Irish
Superstitions.
^9
impressions produced upon mankind by the phenomena of
day and night, morning and evening, winter and summer."
Such may be a partial explanation ; but it may be also
assumed that they were placed on record by the scientific
holders of esoteric wisdom, as problems or studies fur
elucidation by disciples.
The anthropological works of Sir John Lubbock and
Dr. Tylor can be consulted with profit upon this subject
of primitive religious thought.
Hayes O'Grady brings us back to Ireland, saying, " Who
shall thoroughly discern the truth from the fiction with
which it is everywhere entwined, and in many places
altogether overlaid t—There was at one time a vast amount
of zeal, ingenuity, and research expended on the elucidation
and confirming of these fables ;
which, if properly
applied, would have done Irish history and archaeology
good service, instead of making their very names synonymous
among strangers with fancy and delusion."
After this we can proceed with the Irish legends and
myths, the introduction to this inquiry being a direction
the current superstitions of the race.
to
IRISH SUPERSTITIONS.
The peculiar superstitions of a people will often throw a
light upon their ancient faiths. Baring-Gould has remarked,
" Much of the religion of the lower orders, which we regard
as essentially divine, is ancient heathenism, refined with
Christian symbols." Whatever doubt may be felt as to
this, all must admit the underlying paganism of some
customs, credences, or sayings.
Gomme tells us that ''the
local fetishism to be found in Aryan countries simply
represents the undying faith of the older race."