a person living in celtic ireland

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A Person Living in Celtic Ireland

Celtic society organised as follows:
1. King
2. Nobles (warriors, had land and cattle)
3. Aos Dana ( learned people, special skills, highly respected)
4. Farmers ( worked land of nobles)
5. Slaves ( captured in war, did most of work, no pay)

You could be asked to write about any one of the above.

The following factual information can be used for them all:

Whole country divided into Tuatha
Each Tuath had own king
King had to be physically fit
Had to be able to lead people into battle
Your Home - Hill-forts, Raths or Crannogs

Raths very common - surrounded by earthen ditch and fence
Wanted to feel safe and protected
Also wanted to keep their cattle herds safe

Your Food: all produced locally
Grew wheat, barley, oats
Ground into meal using stone called quern
Drank ale and mead (made using honey)
Ate porridge and dairy products
Your Clothing: all made locally

Woolen cloaks and tunics worn by all
Flax grown to make linen for clothing
Sheep reared for meat and wool
Different dyes made using wild berries
Your special feast-days very important

Large meat pieces cooked for many people
Fulachta Fia used for this
Large wood lined hole filled with water
Hot stones used to heat water
Your Religious beliefs very important

Believed in many different Gods
Religious leaders called Druids
All believed in a life after death.
Four important religious feasts

Imbolg (February - goddess Brigid)
Bealtaine (May - god Bel)
Lughnasa (August - god Lug)
Samhain (start of winter)