Fiana - Feinid
Celtic Traditions Directory
A natorious group of Celts who adhered to a lifestyle dedicated to nature and poetry, were known as the fiana (pronounced FEE-inah). The fiana were people who developed a powerful relationship with the land and with the forest. Someone who wanted to join the fiana did so by choice. It is not something that was based on ancestry. The fiana were eventually appointed as defenders of Ireland against foreign invaders.
To become a fian, or feinid, one must had to have an advanced education as well as be versed in the twelve traditional forms of poetry. He/she also had to endure physical tests of agility and bravery.
Once the canidate was accepted as a feinid, he or she would live outside the community, but not outside the law, because the law recognized a fiana's position as a protector of the community.
Revival
A revival of the Celtic fiana would be tremendously beneficial to young men and women. It would be a supurb addition to the lessons of childhood and would be a positive way to teach adolescents and inspire them with a sense of purpose. The following is a suggested "reformed" initiation into the fiana for Celtic reformists.
At the age of 12 or older, young men and women could complete 12 tasks as an initiation into the fiana:
Learn and be able to recite the four major Celtic holidays as well as remark briefly on each one (Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasa and Samhain).
Learn to play as well as sing the national anthem or national song.
Learn the story of Finn McCool and Oisin (pronounced O-sheen -- the original Fiana) and 2 other Celtic myths.
Recite the Celtic Trinity daily (trust in your soul, believe in your heart, have faith in your mind).
Learn the 12 traditonal forms of Celtic poetry.
Complete a ropes course.
Learn to move through the forest without upsetting brush or trees.
Learn to identify the oak tree.
Go on an outing in the woods alone and away from others.
Teach 1 other person the ways of the fiona.
Perform weekly tasks to improve the environment. Planting trees, volunteer to help clean areas of the forest, etc.
Become involved in martial arts and use Celtic spirituality as a base of the practice.