Religious Diet
As something of particular concern the Society wishes to use this section to make clear the dietary restrictions that should be observed in Senchus.
The Society will not force people to adopt these diets outside of its own membership. However it would like to urge those going down this path to keep these restrictions in mind.
Heron
It is considered bad luck by the Society to eat the meat of a Heron, this is justified in the mythology as people often turning into Herons as punishment for their crimes. Making eating a Heron cannibalism, this can be seen as perhaps a form of Totemism that will be discussed later. However the society will consider this applicable for all members of Senchus and the society to not eat the meat of Herons.
Swan
It was made illegal in the Story of the Children of Lir, to kill or eat a Swan after a High King encounters the children who had magically turned into the birds. While this could be considered no longer in effect, because the children had, by the stories writing atleast, already passed away. The Heavy Christinisation of the story the law could instead serve to give a reason behind an earlier taboo, there are other myths, such as that of Caer and Oengus Mac Og that also features otherworldly beings turned to swans.
As such the Society would suggest that people not attack or bother Swans, and it is forbidden for a member of the Society to bother the birds as well.
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Wren
The Wren is heavily connected to the Druidic Class, in fact it is called 'The Druid Bird' as a folkloric name and blessed learning Druids with luck and knowledge. As such it is strictly forbidden for any member of the Society or even Senchus to bother a Wren, for it can only lead one to ill luck and harm.
That is, unless it is Wren Day, you can read more about Wren Day Here
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Raven
Ravens were considered messengers of the gods, even sometimes the gods themselves became Ravens such as in the First battle of Magh Tuired. They were further considered omens of death and warfare and were highly feared and revered by Ancient Celtic pagans. Some traditions even consider Raven meat to be deadly and warn against its consumation.
Vultures
Sacred Fish
Vultures were considered holy by the Celtiberians and other peoples of Europe. The Celtiberian Vaccaei and the Arevaci both practised excarnation. Believing the vulture to bring their great warriors into Heaven. Due to the birds holiness, it is forbidden in the Society to taste the meat of the Vulture or to disturb vultures, especially when it is in the process of excarnation.
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It is considered an act of warfare and sacrilege to eat the fish of a sacred well outside of certain rites like the Eo Feis. The Society heavily dissuades anyone from killing the fish of a sacred well with its permission and action. If the society owns the well, it may seek legal action against those who have done this.
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The Following animals are gathered from other cultures and are not enforced within the society. However the Society believes that people should be aware of these animals for their own religious belief.
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Caesar's Report on the Britons
'They do not regard it lawful to eat the hare, and the cock, and the goose; they, however, breed them for amusement and pleasure' - Caesar, De Bello Gallica, 5:12
This is further proved with Archaeological evidence where Hares and Chickens were not seen to be butchered but buried with great care and attention. Much akin to a person.
Dietary restrictions did not carry over from Celtic Nations, therefore it will not be enforced to members of the Society. However we believe this information should still be considered by people looking into Celtic Religion.
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Cattle
Across the world, there was a taboo about eating beef, specifically of cattle, otherwise Oxen or other cattle like animals was consumed. The most famous restriction comes from Hinduism, where there is a strict rejection of meat amongst the various religious traditions.
This may have spread with Buddhism further east with Japan and China but also appears in Rome and other western nations. There is no evidence of this diet amongst the Celts, however due to how widespread it was it may prove helpful to consider this when restructuring your diet.