|
Sheela na Gigs are stone carvings depicting
a naked female exhibiting herself in an explicit and
provocative way. These images are found throughout Ireland
and in parts of England. Theories abound as to their
meaning and dating, with a consensus almost being arrived at
which agrees that they appear mostly on churches and castles
built after the 12th century and are possibly a continuation
of a much earlier pagan custom. There are many opinions
as to what the figures represent and their raison d'etre.
These opinions are as diverse as the
shapes and styles of the Sheelas themselves and include Pagan
Spirit, Mother Earth,
Earth Goddess, Pagan Goddess, good luck symbols, fertility
symbols, figures to celebrate womanhood etc. It is widely
believed that they repel evil spirits.
Buy
a Sheela na Gig Bronzed Paperweight - Hand cast in Ireland
MEANING OF
'SHEELA NA GIG'
In spite of the very biased and inaccurate article on
Wikipedia regarding the derivation of the name Sheela na
Gig......the name is Irish and there is no consistent
name for these carvings in the English language. Some
misguided researchers almost stand on their heads rather than
acknowledge that the name is Irish. The name is
explained below. It is worth noting, that the earliest
mention of Sheela na Gig was at Drury Lane in 1780 when an
Irish lilt named 'She La Na Gig' was performed. (Important
evidence from Irish Scholar regarding meaning of Sidhe -
pronounced She)
See:
http://colonialdancing.org/Easmes/Source6/S065781.htm
for first recorded use of the term Sheela na Gig or She la
na Gig
|
