Druidism is a mystical religion that is believed to have originated in Ireland with the Celts. Who are the Druids really though? And what are their beliefs specifically? Was Caesar accurately describing them as being involved in human sacrifices, or was he giving a biased opinion in order to demonize the enemy for his troops? Also why are people returning to this and other, so called, pagan religions? These are important questions to examine when researching this religion, which is making a comeback in the present. .
HISTORY.
Druidism is believed to have originated in the Black Sea area around 4000 BCE. It later migrated with the people and eventually ended up in what is seen today as modern day Ireland and Britannia. The Celts were deemed to be pagan by both the Greeks and the Romans who were both at one point involved in wars with the Celts. It is believed that because of these wars with the Celts Caesar created the story of the human sacrifices that were performed by the Druids. The only mention in all Celtic writing of human sacrifices by the Druids have in fact been proven to be a Christian forgery. All other mentions of human sacrifice by the Druids come from the writings of Caesar. .
Although the Celts did have a written language, they were an oral community, sharing stories and history through oral tales told mainly by the Bards. Because of this there is little written early history of these people. We do know that they were forced to convert to Christianity when the British Isles were finally invaded, forcing the Druids to practice in hiding and secret. "They became the villains and the Christians the victors, as depicted in the face off of the Druids and St. Patrick in Ireland.
The Christians in the end, adopted many of the Druid Gods and Goddesses, and their feast days still exist today in the Christian calendar. Imbolc, which was celebrated on February 1, became Valentine's Day.
