Women
Celts, Greeks and Romans...
It would appear that, compared to other women in the ancient world, Celtic women were able to function within their society on a much more equal footing with men.
The Irish Brehon law gave more rights and protection to women than any other western law code at that time or until recent times. Women had political equality, and could even lead the tribe. They could ascribe to any office or profession open to men. They had equal right to divorce and to a share of property in such matters. They were able to own and inherit property .
Greek women, on the other hand, had no political rights, were subject to arranged marriages and had no right of inheritance.
Roman women became a possession of the husband at marriage, could not own anything and had few political rights.
The Irish Brehon law gave more rights and protection to women than any other western law code at that time or until recent times. Women had political equality, and could even lead the tribe. They could ascribe to any office or profession open to men. They had equal right to divorce and to a share of property in such matters. They were able to own and inherit property .
Greek women, on the other hand, had no political rights, were subject to arranged marriages and had no right of inheritance.
Roman women became a possession of the husband at marriage, could not own anything and had few political rights.
Leaders, Mothers and Soul FriendsGiven the attitude towards women in Celtic society as a whole, it was inevitable that the “Celtic church” would also afford women a position of honour, which is in stark contrast to the negativity and misogyny shown by the Roman church, influenced as it was by the worst Augustinian attitudes towards human sexuality and women in particular.
Certainly, the universal church custom to only ordain men was the practice in Britain and Ireland, but there was also no clergy/lay divide; women were therefore no more marginalized than a lay brother was. Women like Brigid, Ebba and Hilda were leaders of mixed monasteries, where men and women lived and worked in co-operation; their counsel was welcomed and expected at the court of kings. They also exercised authority over ordained clergy who worked alongside them. We know that Brendan (of voyaging fame) had a woman, Ita, as his soul friend. This seems to have been common practice. Women were also affirmed as mothers, givers of hospitality and in their domestic work. This was as much a holy calling, and to be honoured, as their leadership in the church. |
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"We find, then, in the Celtic church an impressive acceptance of the feminine. It is desperately sad to recognise how this was lost after the Synod of Whitby.
Had we been allowed to pursue the natural faith that the Spirit of God first breathed upon this land, which contained a far more just attitude to women than was experienced elsewhere, then our shameful history of repression of women may not have developed...we would also have had a far healthier attitude to sexuality generally, affirming the masculine and feminine within ourselves and within our communities." Michael Mitton
Had we been allowed to pursue the natural faith that the Spirit of God first breathed upon this land, which contained a far more just attitude to women than was experienced elsewhere, then our shameful history of repression of women may not have developed...we would also have had a far healthier attitude to sexuality generally, affirming the masculine and feminine within ourselves and within our communities." Michael Mitton
