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In the early 18th century, interest in Druidism underwent a revival, primarily as a result
of the less-than-noble efforts of one man, Edward Williams, or, Iolo Morganwyg as he
was known, who claimed to have discovered an ancient Welsh book of Druidic
knowledge. This book, called The Barddas was later revealed to be a forgery.
Morganwyg made up most of what was contained within, including the ceremony of
Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain, or, The Assembly of Bards on the Isle of Britain.
Morganwyg held the first Gorsedd ceremony in 1792 on London's Primrose Hill.
A similar type of ceremony, incorporating elements of ancient Druidic ritual, had been
taking place in Wales for hundreds of years prior to Morganwyg's event. The Eisteddfod,
an annual celebratory gathering of Welsh bards, dates back to the 15th century. By the
1700s, however, interest was waning and enthusiasm for the event was low. In 1858,
however, Morganwyg's Gorsedd ceremonies, although wholly fictitious, were
incorporated into the Eisteddfod, and gave it a new life.
It was during this period of Romantic Revival that most of the misconceptions about
Druidism took root. The most common, linking Druids with Stonehenge, is clearly a
fallacy. Recent archaeological findings date Stonehenge to more than 2,000 years before
the rise of Druidism. Although Druids did use stone circles and astronomical calculations
in their spiritual practices, no such monuments of their making have survived.
Modern-day Druids, however, have latched on to the connection, and often hold solstice
celebrations at Stonehenge. (Unlike their ancient predecessors, no human sacrifice is
involved.) Indeed, Druidism is alive and well today and enjoying a late 20th-century
revival of sorts. The Eisteddfod, still celebrated annually in Wales, is held during the first
week of August each year. Although the modern ceremony has veered more towards the
cultural, rather than religious, celebration, the Eisteddfod remains true to its Druidic
roots.
But just as the sacrificial rituals of the ancient Druids created controversy in ancient
times, so today modern Druids find themselves at the centre of debate. This controversy
comes to a head around the 21st of June each year when modern Druids converge upon
what is undoubtedly one of the most-visited tourist attractions in all of Britain to
commemorate the summer solstice. English Heritage and The National Trust, who jointly
manage the property are usually less than welcoming to these annual uninvited guests.
Stonehenge, which stood before even the original Druids may have gathered among its
mysterious stones somehow puts the controversy into perspective.
This article was written by Leigh Ann Berry and originally published in British Heritage
Magazine in March 1997.
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General information: A Potential New Direction for Neo-Paganism
Posted by: Nyxks on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:21 PM
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