“April Mural” Installment of the calendar series continues a year-long exploration of Celtic and Roman traditions, focusing on the history, mythology, and cultural practices associated with each calendar month.
Did you know the Irish word for a fool is “Amadán”? On April 1st, we celebrate Amadán Aibreáin, or April Fool’s Day, though no one’s quite sure where the tradition began. Maybe it was the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria, or perhaps confusion from switching calendars in the Middle Ages. Either way, mischief has always found a home in early spring.
Check to see the video below to see the full-piece come together or YouTube here
But April isn’t just about tricks…
As the month unfolds, so does nature. The Latin “Aprilis” may come from aperire “to open”, a nod to budding trees and blooming flowers. It’s also a time sacred to Venus, whose festival, Veneralia, is celebrated on April 1st. Love, laughter, and a little chaos? Classic April.
In Ireland, the final two weeks of April and the first two of May bring the Scairbhín na gCuach “the rough month of the cuckoo.” A time of wild, unpredictable weather. Farmers call it the hunger time, caught between planting and harvest, hoping nature’s whims will bless their crops.
And then there’s May Eve, or Oíche Bealtaine, a night of fairy music and ancient magic. It’s said if you hear the fae play their tune, you’ll never forget it. In fact, the best compliment you could give a musician once was:
“You must’ve heard the piper on May Eve.”
And guiding us through this enchanted season?
The Alder tree, April’s Celtic guardian.
A symbol of protection, confidence, and a quiet doorway to the otherworld…
You can read all about March here.
