Celtic feast day of 'Tuda', monk, seventh century, Bishop of Lindisfarne. Died from the plague in 664. Bede (27 May) reported that he died at 10.00 am on the same morning that there was an eclipse of the sun (3 May 664).

Celtic feast day of 'Fintan Munnu', monk, Abbot, sixth-seventh century, Irish. Established a monastery at Leinster, Ireland on the instruction of Columcille but spent much of his time at Taghmon, Wexford. Instructed by Comgall (11 May). A disciple of Columcille (9 June). Believed to have contracted leprosy which he treated himself, taking a bath only once a year on Maundy Thursday. Reputed to have found the work of Molua (4 August) inspirational. According to legend it was said that for seven days after his death, demons who had looked upon his face as he was being taken by the angels to heaven committed no crime. Died 635.

Celtic feast day of 'Donatus', monk, ninth century, Bishop of Fiesole, Irish. Established a hostel for pilgrims who had travelled from Ireland to Rome which is reputed to have been dedicated to Brigid (1 February).

Celtic feast day of 'Maglorius', monk, missionary, fifth century, Irish. Established a monastery at Sark. It is believed that he died here. Reputed to have joined Samson (28 July) on missionary work. Instructed by Illtyd (6 November).

'Battle of Agincourt', in 1415.

'Charge of the Light Brigade', at Balaclava in 1854.

Celtic feast day of 'Odhran', who like Odran (19 February) gave his own life.

'Festival of Baal', Ancient Phoenician Sun God, and God of Nature, fertility.

Christian feast day of 'St. Simon' and 'St. Jude'.

The 'Statue of Liberty' dedicated on this day in 1886 to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Designed by Gustav Eiffel, it was a present from the French Government.

Sir Walter Raleigh executed on this day in 1618.

Celtic feast day of 'Colman MacDuach', hermit, sixth century. Associated with animals, as it was believed that he had three pets to help in his daily life (a cock to wake him, failing this a mouse to nibble his toes and a fly to mark where he finished reading). Lived at Burren, County Clare, Ireland, a place of pilgrimage. His crosier is held in Dublin at the National Museum. Died around 632.

Celtic feast day of 'Foillan', monk, seventh century. Was responsible for looking after Burgh Castle, Suffolk whilst Fursey was away in France. Brother of Uttan and Fursey (16 January). Established a monastery at Fosses, Belgium. Believed to have been murdered in the region of the Forest of Soignies, Belgium in 650.

Celtic feast day of 'Talarican', sixth century, date uncertain. Worked throughout Scotland.

'All Hallow's Eve' or 'Samhain', the transition from autumn to winter.

Wicca festival of the eve of 'Samhain', translates from the Gaelic as the 'End of the Summer', and the 'Coming of Darkness' / winter.

'Nutcrack Night'

Traditionally this day is associated with Hazle Nuts. (For further information on plants see Mystical WWW Plants, or for trees see Mystical WWW Trees).

Traditionally this day is associated with Ivy. (For further information on plants see Mystical WWW Plants).

Traditionally this day is associated with the folklore of Leaves. (For further information on plants see Mystical WWW Plants, or for trees see Mystical WWW Trees).

The Celtic Brigid (1 February) and Columcille (7 June) were joint protectors of cattle and it was practice at this time to ask for protection during the periods of Samhain, Imbolc to Beltane:

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