Irish pre-Famine newspapers and journals mentioned not only St. Patrick’s Day but Sheelah’s Day, a holiday the following day, as well. Sheelah was thought to be Patrick’s wife and her existence illustrates an important duality in history and mythology, a balance of the sexes.
At the time, men and women were often referred to as "Paddy's" and "Sheelah's." Sheelah still continues as a nickname in Australia but the term and history have largely disappeared elsewhere. Sheelah's name was likely connected to the Sheela-na-gigs (Síla na Géige, síla meaning hag), arcane figurative carvings thought to ward off evil, to symbolize death, life and regeneration, or to be fertility goddesses. They were primarily sacred religious objects found on churches, castles, and other buildings across Europe erected during the Medieval Period, with their creation continuing through the late 1500s and ending abruptly at the beginning of the 17th century. Sheela-na-gigs represent the survival of female spirituality as they continued to be upheld and revered long after the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, until they were mostly hidden or destroyed during the Reformation. Now, the Sheela-na-Gigs are one of the few surviving elements of the native Celtic tradition, depicting its respect of female spiritual power. ♀
Illustration & research from Jack Robert’s “The Sheelah-na-gigs of Britain & Ireland: An Illustrated Guide.”
