October harvest time in Ireland.

The word October, when translated into the Irish language is “Deridh Fomhair” – literally meaning the end of harvest. Traditionally in Ireland the cutting of the last sheaf of corn is a special rite which, at one time, was observed on many farms throughout Ireland to mark the end of the harvest, generally occurring between late September and early October each year.

When harvesting a lone sheaf of corn, wheat, or oats would be left standing in the last field to be cut. This sheaf would then be plaited into the shape of a woman to represent an old woman, a witch, or a hag, generally known as the “Cailleach” in Ireland, who was generally blamed for any  suffering by the people throughout the previous year.

A contest of skill between the labourers was then held with the aim of dislodging this lone-standing sheaf from the soil. In the north of Ireland during the early years of the twentieth century proceedings for the contest generally followed the following pattern; labourers, standing at a distance of ten yards, or metres, took turns throwing hooks intending to fell the “Cailleach”. Once the sheaf was felled it was brought triumphantly to the farmer’s wife and hung about her neck, the successful labourer would often take credit for removing misfortune from the mistress and her household, the labourer was rewarded for their skill with the first drink, a shilling (Irish coin), or some other small but significant prize. A feast was often provided by the farmer to celebrate the end of harvest, with all involved in the work drinking and dancing through the night.

After the day’s festivities the sheaf was hung in a prominent position in the kitchen, or another room of the farmhouse, and at the end of harvest the following year it was generally relegated to the byre, to make way for the current year’s sheaf, although in certain cases the sheaf was kept in the kitchen, and would be displayed along with the sheaves from the years that followed.

Here at Connemara Marble we are gearing up for a what we hope will be a busy gift-giving season. If you appreciate natural and sustainable gifts we would love you to visit our website and check out our collections.

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