Druids, << DROO ihdz, >>were the learned, priestly class among the Celts, an ancient people of Europe. The Druids had several roles in their society. In addition to overseeing religious activities and performing rituals, they were tribal historians, who preserved the history of the community in stories. They also advised tribal leaders on political matters, settled disputes, and made laws.
Druidism, the religion practiced by the Druids, involved the worship of many gods. Some gods were associated with elements of the natural world. Others were associated with human activities, such as the work of blacksmiths. The Druids believed the soul was immortal and entered a new human body after death. They practiced divination (predicting future events) by studying the flights of birds and the remains of sacrificed animals. They may have also practiced human sacrifice. Most Druidic rituals took place in sacred oak groves or near bodies of water, such as bogs, lakes, and rivers. Druids believed water was a gateway to the world of the gods. Celts deposited valuable items, such as swords and jewelry, in watery places as offerings to the gods.
The Romans conquered much of Europe by about A.D. 100 and tried to eliminate Druidism. The religion died out in the 400’s, after most Celts became Christians.
Today, several groups in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States practice neo-Druidism, a religion based upon ancient Druidism. They hold Druidic festivals to mark the changing seasons. Major celebrations take place at Stonehenge, an ancient stone monument on the Salisbury Plain in southwestern England, on the summer and winter solstices. Scholars no longer think that Druids built Stonehenge, but the site remains important to modern groups practicing Druidic religion.
See also Bog body; Celts; Halloween (Samhain); May Day; Mistletoe.
