An Gealach Úr - The New Moon in the Irish Tradition, from @ScoilBheanFeasa on Instagram, complied from Dúchas accounts
In Astronomy, a New Moon is when the Sun and Moon are aligned, with the Sun and Earth on opposite sides of the Moon. During this phase, the moon is not visible to the naked eye. This phase is known in Irish as Gealach Dorcha (dark moon) or Gealach Marbh (dead moon).
In Irish tradition a New Moon is described as when the Corrán Úr (new sickle) first appears in the sky again. The new moon is known as a Gealach Úr/Nua (meaning fresh/new moon).
In Ireland each month it is tradition to greet the first visible crescent seen in the sky. According to Dúchas accounts when you see the new crescent moon for the first time you should bless yourself and that you could wish for something and it would come true. A common blessing was, I see the moon, the moon sees me, god bless the moon and god bless me*.
It is said to be unlucky to see the first crescent through glass and it is considered lucky to see the new moon over the right shoulder. People would go outside saying "Go mbeirim beo ar an am seo arís" (guh mayr-ihm byoh air on am shuh ah-reesh). Translation (may I draw breath at this time again) meaning may I live through this month.
What ever you held in your hand or what ever you were doing when you saw the first crescent you would multiply or spend the rest of the month doing. People greeted it with money in their hand and avoided working.
If the full outline of the moon is seen with the new crescent it is said the old moon is hugging the new moon and seen as a bad omen.
After this moon phase it is known as Líonadh Na Gealaí - The Waxing Moon (filling moon). Also known as An Ghealach Dheirceach - The Crescent Moon (pitted/hollow moon). The crescent after it reaches a full moon it is described as waning crescent - an corrán ag dúl ar gcúl (crescent is going backwards/ retreating).
*My variation: Feicim an Gealach Úr, feiceann an Gealach Úr mise, beannachtaí don Gealach agus beannachtaí dom".
