Gàidhlig / English
Uair a’ Ghille Chonnaich

Uair a’ Ghille Chonnaich

Posted by Kate on Thursday 14th January

This week’s blog follows on from last week’s phrase, as we will talk once more about the lengthening days. The phrase uair a’ ghille chonnaich comes from the islands of Islay and South Uist. It refers to the hour that a boy would go to the peat stack to lift some fuel. The days were growing longer and this would mean that he could take his time at his work in the evenings.

Last week’s phrase makes reference to Christmas day, but uair a’ ghille chonnaich falls on the Feast of the Epiphany. An informant in Lochaber told that the Feast fell on the 6th of January. However, in Port Charlotte, Islay, an interviewee told of how the hour of the ghille chonnaich would fall on the 12th of January, the day when New Year celebrations were traditionally held.

You will see here the difference between an Nullaig Bheag and an Nullaig Mhòr: the little Christmas and the big Christmas. This is according to an informant in Arnol, Lewis, and it seems that the latter was the biggest feast.

Carmina Gadelica tells us that the first Monday after Christmas was known as Bannock Monday, while Hansel Monday is the first Monday after New Year.

You can read more about the New Year, or the “big Christmas” bannock here.

If you have ever heard of this week’s phrase, or if you have any information about the Feast of the Epiphany in the Highlands, or about “Big Christmas” traditions, won’t you get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.

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