The Banshee

Traditional

A frightening spirit that can predict death is known as a Banshee. A long time ago there lived a people in Ireland called the Sidhe, who were dreaded for there supernatural powers. The women of the Sidhe tribe with there unearthly wailing, gave their name to the Banshee.

In every part of Ireland, it was custom to have a "wake". The dead body was then taken to the churchyard by an oblique route. This was done because it was thought that the spirit of the corpse hovered near, and could return to the homestead if not sufficiently dealt with.