chmorris@watrose.UUCP (chmorris) (12/11/85)
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.