druids, Eisteddfod

[chmorris]

Someone mentioned the Welsh Eisteddfod as an example of remaining traces
of druidism. Actually, it is more of a revival than a survival, and its
druidic circle, the Gorsedd, and interesting rituals are largely a product of
the imaginations of a group of 18th century men of literature. Very little
remains of druidic lore and customs because the religion was stamped out by
the Romans. The Romans were remarkably tolerant of many religions of conquered
peoples, but were ruthless against ones such as druidism which practised human
sacrifice. The extent and barbarity of these rituals may have been exaggerated:
certainly the Romans had a vested interest in doing so.
It may also be of interest that recently an American couple of Celtic
descent celebrated a 'Druidic' wedding ceremony in Glastonbury, with a former
archdruid of the Gorsedd officiating.