Stones of Adoration by Christine Zucchelli
The controversy over the discovery of ancient burial sites on the route of the planned M3 road has reminded us of the importance of our heritage. Questions have been raised over some people's willingness to sacrifice these ancient monuments for the sake of progress when there are alternatives available. Sacred stones and stone monuments feature the world over and Ireland is no exception. Our landscape is dotted with them, from the Cloch Daha in Ardmore to St Brigid's Chair at Lough Derg. Since prehistoric times people have acknowledged their special nature, an unbroken link from ancient sun-oriented monuments to the present. Some are considered the abodes of deities or otherworld ladies, some are memorials to mythical heroes and historical kings, others reminders of the miracles of early saints. This book explores their secrets, myths, legends and folktales, many persisting to this day, and describes the role of sacred stones in the religious and spiritual life of modern Ireland. Different beliefs, practices and rituals behind the notion of their magical powers and virtues are revealed, and the situations in which people resorted to them, such as determining chieftains, establishing the truth, curing sickness, and promoting fertility. This is a wonderful reminder of our spiritual past as some of these stones and monuments enter their fifth millennium and the wisdom of the Celtic tradition re-emerges.
'Sumptuous, abounding with information' Irish Examiner 'Absorbing book, very well written and researched' Peter Harbison Irish Arts Review 'Insightful text' Archaeology Ireland 'Beautifully illustrated book' The Irish Times
Christine Zuchelli first visited Ireland in the 1980s. Captivated by the wealth of the country's heritage, after graduating from Innsbruck University she studied Irish Folklore at University College Dublin and travelled the country in search of the myths, legends and folklore behind the veneration of particular stones. She worked as a guide and organiser of special-interest tours to Ireland but now concentrates on research into aspects of the sacred landscape. She lives in West Clare and Innsbruck.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781905172368 |
| ISBN 10 | 1905172362 |
| Title | Stones of Adoration |
| Author | Christine Zucchelli |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Gill |
| Year published | 2007-04-01 |
| Number of pages | 196 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |