Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Glendalough......(pronounced "Glen da Lock")

 St. Kevin started this Monastery in "glendalough......two lakes in a valley......although it rained for a bit while we were there, it was still wonderful to see and be there.
 The Bell Tower was built to let people know that safety was in the Monastery. They came from many miles for refuge and solitude with the Monks. Look how far someone had to walk up the center of the tower to ring the bell. The opening at near the bottom was placed strategically so it could face St. Kevin's church.
 There are still 8 families today who are still allowed to bury their dead here in the Monastery. They are only allowed to bury one person from each generation. This will keep the cemetary going and no one can excavate the land until these families have no more family members die.
St Patrick and St. Kevin created the Celtic Cross. St. Kevin brought Chrisianity to Ireland and
St. Patrick brought Christianty to the Pagans (the people who worshipped the sun). You will notice the celtic cross has a circle in it.......that is to honor those who worship the sun and the cross is for the christians. Both were honored and the Celtic Cross remains everywhere in Ireland today.

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