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From: ConnorsGenealogy <>
Subject: The Samhain Parshell
Date: Sun, 30 Oct 2005 09:31:25 -0800

Thanks again to the Irish Heritage Newsletter.

The Samhain Parshell

The Parshell is an important Irish craft as it is the cross which keeps
the evil spirits away from your door on Samhain (Halloween) and keeps
the barn animals safe the year round. While you want to welcome the good
spirits that walk the earth at Samhain you want to be sure to guard
against the bad spirits or the spirits of you
enemies! So get the Parshell made and on your door right away!

Materials:
1. Two sticks- 1-2 feet long.about 1/2 inch diameter
at most.
2. Tape or string to tie the sticks together.
3. Wheaten straw, similar plant material or paper
twist (I use green,purple and tan colored twist). Instructions:
1. Fasten the two sticks together securely at
right angles to form a cross.(use tape or string)
2. If using twist -untwist it and flatten it out but
not too flat-it should resemble corn stalk/husk.
3. Attach twist or stalks to underside of one of
the sticks or if using straw: wedge it under one
and over the other stick starting in the center.
4. Moving clockwise weave the twist or straw over
one stick and under the next going around the
cross. Stop before you get to the ends of the
sticks- a few inches of stick should be exposed.
5. If using twist try to use two or three colors
attaching one to the next as you go.
Now you have your Parshell What do you do
with it?
On Oct. 31 make the Parshell and place it over
the front doorway on the inside. The powers to ward
off ill-luck sickness, and witchcraft and evil spirits only
lasts one year. You can only make a new one on Oct.31.
When you take the old one down you must take care to
shout: Fonstarenheehy. Take the old one out and
put it in the barn or garage over the car as its power
is still good to help the animals and perhaps even
protect the car in the new year.
Once you get your Parshell up you can carve your
turnip head!

Source:Kevin Danaher, The Year in Ireland

To view photo's of a completed Parshell go to
http://www.bcpl.net/~hutmanpr/parshal.html
<http://www.bcpl.net/%7Ehutmanpr/parshal.html>;

--
Pat Connors, currently visiting Sharon Springs, NY
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com

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