The Druids

Who were they?

The Druids

The Druids often worshipped in hidden areas, such as openings in woods and forests, and stone circles. Stonehenge, one of the most famous stone circles in Britain, is believed to have been a place of worship for the Druids. However, there is some debate as to whether they built the monument themselves or not.

The origin of the word "Druid" is uncertain, but it is widely believed to derive from the Irish-Gaelic term "doire" meaning "oak tree." This connection reflects the Druids' admiration for the natural world, particularly for the oak, which symbolized knowledge and wisdom.

Julius Caesar, in his writings, provides one of the earliest descriptions of the Druids. He described them as a prestigious class of men, divided into different ranks based on their roles and responsibilities. The Arch-druid, the eldest druid, was believed to possess exceptional wisdom. Other ranks included the ordinary Druids (priests) and the Sacrificers. Caesar was one of the only human beings who reported us of the existence of druids; however they were seen by the Romans as a threat. Due to this, the ancient druidism disappeared in favor of Christianity.

Sacrifices

Feasts

Religion

The Roman historian Tacitus, referring to the Roman invasion of Anglesey in Wales in the middle of the 1st century AD, said that the Welsh druids ‘struck terror into the Roman soldiers’. The druids during the battle ‘screamed horrible curses, with their hands raised towards the heavens’.

Contrary to popular belief, druids wore their hair short, in contrast to ordinary Celtic people of that time who tended to wear it long. Druids had long beards, though.

The druid tradition was kept alive orally, passing between generations for centuries. Young people would start as apprentices under a master and would learn the secrets of druidic knowledge – the ancient druid wisdom of magic, philosophy, religion, and law. This apprenticeship took up to 20 years.

Ancient Celtic women generally had a great role in society and had far more rights than their Greek and Roman counterparts. Several Roman emperors, such as Diocletian and Aurelian, have met with Celtic druidesses to hear prophecies regarding their fates. There are also many legendary and mythical druidesses. Irish mythology features many 'bandrui' (female druids). Bodhmall and Liath Luachra, for example, are two mythic warrior druidesses.

The druids were members of the high-ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures who became an important landmark for the society members.

It is more widely known that Druids practiced animal sacrifices. These could have included "domestic" animals like sheep or cattle, as well as wild animals like deer or boar.

Roman writers also stated that the Druids offered human sacrifices for those who were gravely sick or in danger of death in battle. Huge wickerwork men were filled with living men and then burned; although the Druids preferred to sacrifice criminals, they would choose innocent victims if necessary.

Among the various feasts and anniversaries that were celebrated during the year, four of them had a particular significance both from the point of view of solemnity and ritual. These feasts were, in chronological order along the Celtic year, Samhain (in Autumn, celebrating New Year and ancestors), Imbolc (in Winter, welcoming Spring), Beltaine (in Spring, asking protection) and Lughnasa (in Summer, giving thanks).

Druidism can be described as a shamanic religion, combining elements of spiritual contact and medicine. They were said to possess the power to interpret natural events, predict the future and create medicinal potions and remedies using sacred plants like the mistletoe.

Their knowledge of the earth and celestial bodies may have been derived from megalithic times. They observed lunar, solar and seasonal cycles.