Celtic Recipes

Celtic Culture is anchored in the languages of the Six Nations. Indeed, the definition of a modern Celtic nation is based on language and it is widely recognized that the each of the six national languages face challenges of varying degrees. Guarded optimism coupled with vigilance and determination to fight back from the centuries of systematic persecution and suppression of the Celtic languages must be our mantra if we are to restore Breton, Cornish, Welsh, Manx, Irish and Scots Gaelic to their rightful positions. 

In a January 2013 interview with Transceltic, the noted Celtic historian and author, Peter Beresford Ellis, shared his insights into the current state and future of the tongue:

In spite of the achievements of the last decades, there is no room for complacency when examining the current situation and looking to the future (of the Celtic languages). Coming from the 1960s perspective when Welshmen and women were going to jail in their campaign to gain status for Welsh; when the Cornish who proclaimed their Celticity were sneered at as fantasists dreaming of the second coming of King Arthur; when Scottish Gaelic speakers could not even register their children in the language … well – times have moved on. Since the 1960s there has been some legal recognition given to the Celtic languages and through this there is a more widespread knowledge of the languages and their historic, cultural and social value. But the fact remains, they are still endangered languages. Look at recent Census figures for Welsh as an example. There is no easy acceptable programme to ensure their salvation.  It comes down to hard work – we must publicise, educate and encourage. There is a saying in each of the six Celtic languages – no language, no nation!

The survival of the language in each of the Six Nations is in the hands of future generations. And it is in that spirit that Transceltic are honoured to welcome Liam Alastair Crouse as a contributor.  Liam’s Blog Posts will focus on his experiences in Scotland as he works to revitalize the Scots Gaelic tongue. Liam is currently a post-graduate student in Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling, after having obtained his under-graduate degree in Celtic and Archaeology from the University of Edinburgh. He will be focusing on Gaelic literature in his studies and is working closely with the Gaelic Books Council. He is originally from Rhode Island in the US and is both a Gaelic speaker and a Piper.  Scottish Gaelic tradition, history, and culture are the driving interests in his life.

With international music pulling the crowds as never before, Manx traditional music trio Barrule was delighted to receive an invitation to perform on the BBC Radio 3 stage at the WOMAD international music festival, set in the attractive arboretum of Charlton Park in Wiltshire, England, where they introduced the unique music of the Isle of Man to large audiences and fellow musicians, several of whom declared Barrule’s gig to be the favourite of the festival.

WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) was founded by Peter Gabriel, Thomas Brooman and Bob Hooton, with their first festival in 1982, but now established as a truly international festival bringing together artists from all over the world to present music of passion, individuality and excellence.

With a reputation for introducing unknown artists to a wider audience, WOMAD has presented more than one thousand musicians from over 100 countries to live audiences of in excess of one million people in its lifetime.

After weeks of glorious weather, a forecast of rain did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the all-male line-up of Adam Rhodes, Jamie Smith and Tom Callister, who were overwhelmed by the fantastic response of music lovers determined to have a good time come rain or shine (although Barrule’s gig was bathed in sunshine) at the 31st WOMAD festival; with the additional delights of workshops, food tastings and a global trade market.