Gàidhlig / English
Oidhche nan Trì Suipearan

Oidhche nan Trì Suipearan

Posted by Abi on 24th December 2015

Oidhche nan Trì Suipearan [Night of the Three Suppers] is our saying of the week this week and it means the Winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day of the year. Oidhche nan Trì Suipearan was collected in Uig on the Isle of Lewis in 1972, and Oidhche nan Seachd Suipearan [Night of the Seven Suppers] was also collected on the same island, but this time in Arnol.

Many traditions and myths around the world are associated with the Winter Solstice, and this year it occurred on the 22nd of December. The Druids believed that mistletoe was sacred, and during the solstice would cut pieces from these trees. Sùgh-dharaich [Druid’s Sap] is another word for mistletoe in Gaelic. They thought that mistletoe offered protection against thunder, bad weather and any other evil.

The Norse would tell stories and drink ale while sitting around the fire at this time of year, and the Romans had celebrations as well. The men would put women’s clothes on and masters would dress as servants!

If you know any other words or phrases that have the same meaning as Oidhche nan Trì (no Seachd) Suipearan [Night of the Three (or Seven) Suppers] or also have you ever eaten three or seven suppers on that night, then why not let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all from the DASG team!

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