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What is the story behind this?

  • 10-09-2009 10:33PM
    #1
    bellat99
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭


    Hi... I was wondering if someone could explain to me the meaning or story behind "meeting at the Crossroads". At a concert, someone explained in earlier times, in Ireland, people would meet at the crossroads to talk, listen to music, tell stories, sing, dance, etc.. but I couldn't remember why that was.

    Would anyone know and be so kind to share with me? Many Thanks!:)
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    galwayrush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,815 ✭✭✭✭galwayrush


    In the blues version, someone meets the devil at the crossroads, sells their soul to him and gets to be able to play the blues, i imagine the Irish version is a lot different.:D


  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,249 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Crossroads = junction of two roads presumably connecting maybe four communities -> handy place for people to meet.


    Dancing at the crossroads was immortalised by Éamon de Valera ... but he didn't actually say it.

    - see "The Ireland That We Dreamed of"
    http://www.rte.ie/laweb/ll/ll_t09b.html


  • #4
    slowburner
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 5,229 Mod ✭✭✭✭slowburner


    Many years ago, I heard that faction fights would take place at crossroads. The defender would take his position and draw a circle in the dust with his shillelagh. Then he would say "Now, let no man drive me out of here." This occurred in living memory. The only rule I heard of, was that there was no striking allowed below the belt!
    This was in Connemara.


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