During my time in Ireland this year I have been a very lucky moon-gazer. Our summertime night skies haven't been blighted by typical Irish cloudy skies making the full moon dance in the night sky.
I've been blessed to observe the full moon in all its glory casting a torch like glow over Dublin, illuminating both sea and land. Dublin Bay by the light of the full moon is a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
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Full Moon In Dublin, Ireland
In typical Irish fashion myths and superstitions abound regarding the full moon. Here's a little sampling of some of these ancient stories.
Irish Superstitions Regarding the Full Moon
In centuries past, Irish people didn't always observe a man in the moon. Instead they talked of spotting the hare in the moon who supposedly carried an egg.
A lunar hare image is also prevalent in Chinese, Japanese and Mexican mythology, but I don't know if he was an egg snatcher in those corners of the world.
In some parts of Ireland the 'man in the moon' is said to have once been a lazy Irish boy who was carried to the moon as punishment for his slovenly ways.
His inadequate brush sweeping skills were at fault in some stories, and in other versions he failed to carry sufficient water from a well with his bucket. Whatever the poor lad was remiss in doing, he is doomed to watch the sleeping world forevermore.
Lunar Lessons From Ireland
Now if you are a student of Irish luck and want to learn all the rules for mastering the 'luck of the Irish' then pay close attention to these upcoming lucky lunar lessons.
When moon gazing it's very important to search for the moon over the appropriate shoulder. Spotting the full moon over the right shoulder is considered lucky, but bad luck is inevitable if the moon is first spotted over the left shoulder. You wouldn't know where to look on a moonlit night.
To maximize your lunar luck then a haircut is in order. You are supposedly ensured the best luck of all by getting your tresses trimmed in the light of the full moon.
But be careful afterwards as you sleep. You are doomed to the worst luck in the world if the light of the full moon lands on your face as you rest.
Some superstitions go as far as to say you won't even see the year out if moonlight crosses your face as you slumber. So remember to close your curtains on full moon nights.
Romance and the Full Moon
Now if you are interested in looking into the future to perhaps spy a potential beau, then head outside with a mirror to examine the reflection of the full moon.
Stare long and hard and you might see that special someone. And again, don't forget to close your curtains as you dream of your prince or princess, for fear the moonlight illuminates your smiling face.
If you have recently recovered from an illness kneel and pray facing the full moon giving voice to your gratitude for being blessed with the grace to live.
This old superstition is once again an example of how the Irish mixed old Celtic mythology with Christian beliefs.
The ancient druids were supposedly great students of the heavenly bodies. They often took their oaths by referring to the powers of the sun, moon, and stars.
This ongoing influence of astral bodies on human affairs is evident in old Irish folk speech. "By the strength of the sun and moon" was a favorite old exclamation.
If you are as confused as I am by all these lunar directions, then I think it's best to stick to the old poem we used to say as children.
"I see the moon, and the moon sees me,
God bless the moon and God bless me:
There's grace in the cottage and grace in the hall;
And the grace of God is over us all."
Thanks for reading my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some other recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
Books
- Old Ireland In Colour - Exploring Ireland's Past Through Images
- The Irish Cookbook Giveaway
- What Is It About Ireland That You Love?
- The Hungry Road By Marita Conlan-McKenna
Irish Soups And Stews
- Irish Guinness Beef Stew - Crockpot Recipe
- Traditional Irish Potato Soup
- Potato And Leek Soup
- Rutabaga And Carrot Soup
Mary
What lovely photos of the full moon. Thanks for posting them for all of us to enjoy.
Irish American Mom
Thanks Mary. I'm so glad you like these shots of Dublin Bay.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Peggy Miller Hopes
You are right, the Dublin Bay photo is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing your photos and I agree the poem is a lot easier to understand.
Peggy
Irish American Mom
Thanks Peggy. The moon was incredibly big and bright that night. I wished I had a tripod for my camera, but my photos turned out ok, considering I was trying to hold my camera as still as possible with shaky fingers as I took the shots. Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Mairéad
brian@irelandfavorites
Did you take those pictures over your left shoulder or your right? Interesting post Mairead, thanks,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - I stared at the 'man in the moon' directly in the eye as I took these shots, for fear I might catch a glimpse of him from the wrong angle over an inappropriate shoulder, thereby incurring his wrath. I slept with closed curtains too after my photo shoot. You can't be too careful when dealing with these old Irish superstitions.
Take care and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Aimee
So fun- I love learning little tid bits like this! And what beautiful pictures!
Irish American Mom
Aimee - So glad you enjoyed this little take on the full moon, Irish style. I love investigating the old stories I heard as a child, and learning even more nuances to these old Irish myths, legends, and superstitions.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Mairead, the Dublin Bay shot is gorgeous. Would love to see the full moon shining over Dublin Bay in person some day!
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - I hope you do get to see the full moon over Dublin Bay someday. Even though I grew up in Dublin, I have not seen it very often. Clouds often obscure the view, but this summer we have had wonderful weather, and many cloudless nights.
Hope you have had a lovely summer,
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lisa
Great photos! I love the deep blue color and of course the moon.
Irish American Mom
Thanks Lisa. The sky and bay were spectacular that night.
All the best,
Mairéad
T.M. Johnson
My Irish fraternal grandmother, Mary Egan, County Mayo, Louisburg, fervently believed the moon never looked the same after September 14, 1959, when the Soviets' first exploratory rocket struck it. What do you think? TMJ
Irish American Mom
That's a good one. I never heard it before, but the view of the moon from Mayo is probably fantastic, so only a Mayo woman would detect those subtle changes.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sharon
Hi mairead
,beautiful pictures of the full moon rare for Dublin but when you can it's amazing,
I'm looking at the moon tonight and just spotted it over my left shoulder !
It's a cloudy night here on Dublins north coast but I can see the harvest moon through the clouds it looks smaller than last month probably because it's further away from earth than the August full moon which I remember how beautiful it looked ,
Neil youngs harvest moon has just been played in a movie I'm watching in the background ,"Eat,Pray,Love," it's about finding your true path . I love the full moon it awakens the spirit within .
Gb
Sharon
Irish American Mom
Thanks Sharon. Dublin Bay is beautiful on a cloudless night under the light of a full moon, especially the harvest moon. Hope you enjoyed "Eat, Pray, Love."
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Rosemary Bogdan
Beautiful photos!! But I love having moonlight on my face as I fall asleep! In fact, I intentionally leave my shade open when there's a full moon!
Irish American Mom
Rosemary - Moonlight is magical, and sleeping by the light of a full moon makes me feel connected to Creation. It's nice to hear you fell that way too.
Take care,
Mairéad