Frederic Armao
Université de Toulon, BABEL, Faculty Member
- Irish Studies, Celtic Studies, Cultural Studies, British Studies, Irish History, Early Medieval Period, and 12 moreMedieval Studies, Religious Conversion, Material Culture Studies, Landscape Archaeology, Identity, Celtic Mythology, Folklore, Mythology And Folklore, Irish Folklore, Festivals, Popular Culture, and Folk Beliefedit
- Fáilte/Welcome/Bienvenue! I am currently an Associate Professor at the University of Toulon (France). My research fo... moreFáilte/Welcome/Bienvenue!
I am currently an Associate Professor at the University of Toulon (France).
My research focuses on European history, more specifically Irish/British folklore and popular culture in relation with Celtic mythology. I am particularly interested in Irish feasts and celebrations, especially the case of the four ancient Irish festivals (Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa).
I hold a PhD in Irish History from the University of Lille, a Master’s Degree in Irish Studies from the University of Paris Sorbonne-Nouvelle, and am a holder of the agrégation of English (major: history of the Anglophone world).
I have had the opportunity to publish and/or present my papers in a number of countries, including France, Belgium, Ireland, UK, Spain, Canada (Alberta & Quebec), USA, Sweden, Romania and Poland.
Currently, I teach English (ESP & Literary Translation) as well as Irish and British history at both undergraduate and graduate level.
Please feel free to contact me for any question or research project.edit
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This paper analyses the historical and symbolic significance of the twin mountains called Dá Chích Anann or "the Paps of Anu" (Co. Kerry, Ireland) and to a lesser extent the stone enclosure often referred to as Cathair Crobh Dearg ("the... more
This paper analyses the historical and symbolic significance of the twin mountains called Dá Chích Anann or "the Paps of Anu" (Co. Kerry, Ireland) and to a lesser extent the stone enclosure often referred to as Cathair Crobh Dearg ("the City of the Red Claw"). After a quick description followed by an overview of the modern and contemporary folklore(s) connected to both sites, we will study the various references to the twin mountains and the enclosure in ancient Irish texts: the purpose of this article is to appreciate the cultural importance of the place in Irish history and mythology, the connection between both sites (Dá Chích Anann and Cathair Crobh Dearg) and to try and understand the nature of their inherent symbolism.
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Preface: Croyances contemporaines-Regards croisés sur le Monde Anglophone
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The present article aims at analyzing the use of Irish mythology (and more specifically of “Celtic” festivals) in the course of the 20th century by two Irish authors, William Butler Yeats and Brian Friel. This use, which one may at first... more
The present article aims at analyzing the use of Irish mythology (and more specifically of “Celtic” festivals) in the course of the 20th century by two Irish authors, William Butler Yeats and Brian Friel. This use, which one may at first think dictated solely by artistic considerations, turns out to be more profound and symptomatic of Irish culture –this Irishness which is so often connected to political and/or religious values. The study of the notion of “science” and its impact on the culture and customs of modern Ireland will prove helpful since the issue was tackled directly by both authors, be it as a complement or a potential rival to the Irish way(s).
Keywords: Celtic festivals, Irish festivals, folklore, mythology, science, Yeats, Friel
Le présent article analyse l’utilisation faite au cours du XXe siècle de la mythologie irlandaise et plus particulièrement du cas des fêtes dites « celtiques » par deux auteurs irlandais, William Butler Yeats et Brian Friel. Cette utilisation, que l’on pourrait imaginer au premier abord dictée par des raisons purement artistiques, se révèle plus profonde et symptomatique de la culture irlandaise, cette Irishness, souvent étroitement liée à des valeurs politiques et/ou religieuses. La thématique de la « science » et son impact sur la culture et les mœurs de l’Irlande moderne sera un élément qui permettra d’enrichir notre étude, la problématique ayant été abordée directement par les deux auteurs en complément, et parfois en opposition, à la « tradition » irlandaise.
Mots-clefs : fêtes celtiques, fêtes irlandaises, folklore, mythologie, science, Yeats, Friel
Keywords: Celtic festivals, Irish festivals, folklore, mythology, science, Yeats, Friel
Le présent article analyse l’utilisation faite au cours du XXe siècle de la mythologie irlandaise et plus particulièrement du cas des fêtes dites « celtiques » par deux auteurs irlandais, William Butler Yeats et Brian Friel. Cette utilisation, que l’on pourrait imaginer au premier abord dictée par des raisons purement artistiques, se révèle plus profonde et symptomatique de la culture irlandaise, cette Irishness, souvent étroitement liée à des valeurs politiques et/ou religieuses. La thématique de la « science » et son impact sur la culture et les mœurs de l’Irlande moderne sera un élément qui permettra d’enrichir notre étude, la problématique ayant été abordée directement par les deux auteurs en complément, et parfois en opposition, à la « tradition » irlandaise.
Mots-clefs : fêtes celtiques, fêtes irlandaises, folklore, mythologie, science, Yeats, Friel
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The four yearly Irish festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Lughnasa and Beltaine were –and to some extent still are– celebrated respectively in early November, February, May and August of our modern calendar, especially in the most rural parts... more
The four yearly Irish festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Lughnasa and Beltaine were –and to some extent still are– celebrated respectively in early November, February, May and August of our modern calendar, especially in the most rural parts of Ireland. Those festivals were an important part of the rural Irish life up to the first half of the 20th century: they divided the year in seasons, regulated the activities of the farmer and were connected to a large number of superstitions, sayings and miscellaneous customs and beliefs. Most researchers agree that those festivals are a modern adaptation of ancient festivals which were most likely connected to the Celtic set of beliefs and culture. There seems to be no consensus however as to why those specific dates –that do not seem to correspond to any obvious astronomical event such as solstices or equinoxes– were chosen when adapting those ancient traditions first to the Julian, then to the Gregorian calendar. This paper will aim at giving a plausible reason for the specific place in the year of the four Irish festivals, using both ancient sources and accounts of modern popular belief.
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Superstitions connected to the "Milking Hare" in Ireland
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Preface: "Les Nations Celtiques et le Monde contemporain"
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Brief overview of the color green in Ireland and its use over time.
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Folklore and Myths connected to the festival of Bealtaine
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The pilgrimage of Cathair Crobh Dearg remains quite confidential; its existence has been however attested for centuries, if not millennia. We here try and analyze the contemporary takeover of the celebration by the local clergy and... more
The pilgrimage of Cathair Crobh Dearg remains quite confidential; its existence has been however attested for centuries, if not millennia. We here try and analyze the contemporary takeover of the celebration by the local clergy and therefore possibly understand whether the Christianization of the site is the offspring of an opposition to paganism or, more peculiarly, embodies a form of resistance from the Catholic faith towards Protestantism.
Le pèlerinage de Cathair Crobh Dearg, méconnu du grand public, existe pourtant depuis des siècles, sinon des millénaires : nous tentons d'analyser la « récupération » contemporaine de la célébration par le clergé local et essayons de comprendre si la christianisation du site est le fruit de l'opposition au paganisme ou, plus singulièrement, représente une résistance catholique face au protestantisme.
Le pèlerinage de Cathair Crobh Dearg, méconnu du grand public, existe pourtant depuis des siècles, sinon des millénaires : nous tentons d'analyser la « récupération » contemporaine de la célébration par le clergé local et essayons de comprendre si la christianisation du site est le fruit de l'opposition au paganisme ou, plus singulièrement, représente une résistance catholique face au protestantisme.
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This article aims at analyzing the representation of women within the boundaries of the festivities held at the beginning of the month of May in Ireland. We will tackle the superstitions and rituals performed by young maidens at that time... more
This article aims at analyzing the representation of women within the boundaries of the festivities held at the beginning of the month of May in Ireland. We will tackle the superstitions and rituals performed by young maidens at that time of the year as well as the numerous fears linked with the arrival of the summer time (including the fear of witches and ageing women). The purpose of this study is to gain better knowledge of the customs and insular traditions held by women in connection with the celebrations of May and therefore to understand, at least partially, the role they played in rural Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Le présent article avance l’argument que certains monastères irlandais ont cherché à assimiler Beltaine à Pâques. Nous passerons en revue les Annales irlandaises, le Lebor Gabála Erenn, et les hagiographies de Muirchú et Tirechán dans... more
Le présent article avance l’argument que certains monastères irlandais ont cherché à assimiler Beltaine à Pâques. Nous passerons en revue les Annales irlandaises, le Lebor Gabála Erenn, et les hagiographies de Muirchú et Tirechán dans cette optique et constaterons que ces ouvrages contredisent la théorie généralement attestée selon laquelle la « pâque des païens » se retrouverait dans la fête de Samain.
Beltaine, fêtes celtiques, feu, Bel, Túatha Dé Dánann, Pâques, controverse pascale, Muirchú, saint Patrick
This article argues that some of the Irish monks attempted to assimilate Beltaine to Easter. We will go through the Irish Annals as well as the Lebor Gabála Erenn and the hagiographies of Muirchú and Tirechán and see that these works are at variance with the most popular theory –that is Samain stands for the “Easter of the pagans”.
Beltaine, Celtic festivals, fire, Bel, Túatha Dé Dánann, Easter, paschal controversy, Muirchú, saint Patrick
Beltaine, fêtes celtiques, feu, Bel, Túatha Dé Dánann, Pâques, controverse pascale, Muirchú, saint Patrick
This article argues that some of the Irish monks attempted to assimilate Beltaine to Easter. We will go through the Irish Annals as well as the Lebor Gabála Erenn and the hagiographies of Muirchú and Tirechán and see that these works are at variance with the most popular theory –that is Samain stands for the “Easter of the pagans”.
Beltaine, Celtic festivals, fire, Bel, Túatha Dé Dánann, Easter, paschal controversy, Muirchú, saint Patrick
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This is the programme of the day conference we held at Toulon in the South of France in March 2019. I gave a talk on "The meaning of 'underground' and 'mainstream' in 21st century Britain".
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Le treizieme numero de la revue Babel-Civilisations a pour objet la notion de « croyances » et son application a un domaine spatio-temporel precis, a savoir celui du « monde anglophone contemporain », en adequation avec les thematiques... more
Le treizieme numero de la revue Babel-Civilisations a pour objet la notion de « croyances » et son application a un domaine spatio-temporel precis, a savoir celui du « monde anglophone contemporain », en adequation avec les thematiques traditionnelles de notre groupe de recherche. Un colloque organise en 2016 avait pour objet cette idee de croyance(s) et a permis d'amorcer la reflexion de fond que l'on pourra retrouver dans ces lignes. Entre 2016 et 2017, de nouveaux collegues ont manifeste leur interet pour ce sujet et ont permis d'etoffer ce numero, qui presente les reflexions de pas moins de treize contributeurs-quatorze si l'on inclut cette presentation. La gestation du projet fut inhabituellement longue et complexe ; il est d'ailleurs interessant de noter que les reactions initiales, lors de la premiere formalisation des titres provisoires, furent assez contrastees, pour dire le moins. A l'enthousiasme des uns se juxtaposait un silence courtois des autre...
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This article aims at analyzing the representation of women within the boundaries of the festivities held at the beginning of the month of May in Ireland. We will tackle the superstitions and rituals performed by young maidens at that time... more
This article aims at analyzing the representation of women within the boundaries of the festivities held at the beginning of the month of May in Ireland. We will tackle the superstitions and rituals performed by young maidens at that time of the year as well as the numerous fears linked with the arrival of the summer time (including the fear of witches and ageing women). The purpose of this study is to gain better knowledge of the customs and insular traditions held by women in connection with the celebrations of May and therefore to understand, at least partially, the role they played in rural Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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The pilgrimage of Cathair Crobh Dearg remains quite confidential; its existence has been however attested for centuries, if not millennia. This essay analyzes the contemporary takeover of the celebration by the local clergy and wonders... more
The pilgrimage of Cathair Crobh Dearg remains quite confidential; its existence has been however attested for centuries, if not millennia. This essay analyzes the contemporary takeover of the celebration by the local clergy and wonders whether the Christianization of the site is the offspring of an opposition to paganism or, more peculiarly, embodies a form of resistance from the Catholic faith towards Protestantism. Resume Le pelerinage de Cathair Crobh Dearg, meconnu du grand public, existe pourtant depuis des siecles, sinon des millenaires : nous tentons d'analyser la « recuperation » contemporaine de la celebration par le clerge local et essayons de comprendre si la christianisation du site est le fruit de l'opposition au paganisme ou, plus singulierement, represente une resistance catholique face au protestantisme. Au coeur du Munster,a la limite des comtes de Cork et de Kerry, le visiteureclaire pourra trouver Cathair Crobh Dearg, ou la City. Le site ancien, celebre a ...
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Le present article avance l'argument que certains monasteres irlandais ont cherche a assimiler Beltaine a Pâques. Nous passerons en revue les Annales irlandaises, le Lebor Gabala Erenn, et les hagiographies de Muirch´u et Tirechan... more
Le present article avance l'argument que certains monasteres irlandais ont cherche a assimiler Beltaine a Pâques. Nous passerons en revue les Annales irlandaises, le Lebor Gabala Erenn, et les hagiographies de Muirch´u et Tirechan dans cette optique et constaterons que ces ouvrages contredisent la theorie generalement attestee selon laquelle la « pâque des paiens » se retrouverait clans la fete de Samain.