Reek Sunday, which occurs on the final Sunday of July, is a festival celebrated in Ireland. This year’s date is July 30. On this day, the annual pilgrimage occurs, and thousands of people travel to Ireland to ascend the country’s “holiest mountain.” The mountain, also known as “Croagh Patrick,” is a distinct pilgrimage site with a holy past. In addition to connecting with God, pilgrims ascend the mountain to seek repentance for their sins. So, if you have something to get off your chest this year, prepare to embark on the expedition. You will certainly return as a distinct individual!
The background of Reek Sunday
Reek Sunday, also known as Garland Sunday, is a religious occasion in Ireland during which pilgrims ascend a sacred mountain. It is believed that Saint Patrick ascended the mountain and remained there for forty days, making it a popular pilgrimage site. During this time, he abstained from food and prayed to a higher power. At the conclusion of the fast, it is believed that St. Patrick hurled a bell down the mountainside and expelled the snakes from Ireland. This gift from Saint Patrick enabled Ireland to become habitable.
Today, tens of thousands of people honour St. Patrick by climbing Crough Patrick and attending a liturgy at the mountain’s chapel. Some of the rituals of the pilgrimage include praying while walking’sunwise’ around the mountain’s features: seven times around the cairn Benan’s grave, fifteen times around the circular perimeter of the summit, seven times around Patrick’s bed, and then seven times around three ancient burial cairns known as Mary’s cemetery. While the fundamental traditions of the pilgrimage have evolved, the significance of Greek Sunday has not. In 1970, for instance, devotees would ascend the mountain after sunset. However, individuals realised that this practise was risky and difficult for many pilgrims. Therefore, people began ascending the mountain in the morning.
Although the rituals associated with the expedition have religious roots, no one can deny that St. Patrick reached the summit of the mountain. On the mountain, excavations uncovered a tiny oratory dating to the year 430 A.D.
National Father-in-Law Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
Happy Friendship Day 2023 Wishes, Messages, Greetings, Quotes and Images
Sunday REEK activities
Climb Mount Saint Patrick
Climb Croagh Patrick and partake in the festivities to commemorate the special Sunday to the fullest. Gather your closest friends and relatives to make the event more memorable.
Transmit the communication
As time advances, the youth are losing interest in the traditions. You can make a difference by communicating the significance of the event and the cultural significance of the day. You can make a social media post about the day.
Disseminate history
On this day, seek for and share articles, films, and documentaries with those around you. It is essential to preserve history, and the simplest method to do so is to encourage people to read about Reek Sunday.
CROAGH PATRICK AND THE PILGRIMAGE: 5 FACTS
There are between 20,000 and 30,000 participants on this day.
Some devotees ascend the mountain barefoot in order to attain forgiveness.
Croagh Patrick is 810 metres tall.
The Irish National Museum retains the bell.
The original celebration was called “Lughnasadh.”
REEK SUNDAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 31 | Sunday |
| 2023 | July 30 | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 28 | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 27 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 26 | Sunda |
