The (anglicised Shony or Shoney) was a water spirit in Lewis, according to Martin Martin. Dwelly defines ' (without the "i", a related form in

Scottish Gaelic Scottish Gaelic (, ; Endonym and exonym, endonym: ), also known as Scots Gaelic or simply Gaelic, is a Celtic language native to the Gaels of Scotland. As a member of the Goidelic language, Goidelic branch of Celtic, Scottish Gaelic, alongs ...

) as "1.

augur An augur was a priest and official in the ancient Rome, classical Roman world. His main role was the practice of augury, the interpretation of the will of the List of Roman deities, gods by studying events he observed within a predetermined s ...

y, sorcery. 2. Druidism" and quotes Martin further. Martin says that the inhabitants of Lewis used to propitiate by a cup of ale in the following manner. They came to the church of St. Mulway ('),This probably refers to Teampull Mholuaidh. See als
Mysterious Britain
/ref> each man carrying his own provisions. Every family gave a pock (bag) of

malt Malt is any cereal grain that has been made to germinate by soaking in water and then stopped from germinating further by drying with hot air, a process known as "malting". Malted grain is used to make beer, whisky, malted milk, malt vinegar, ...

, and the whole was brewed into ale. One of their number was chosen to wade into the sea up to his waist, carrying in his hand the cup full of ale. When he reached a proper depth, he stood and cried aloud: He then threw the ale into the sea, in a ceremony performed at night. On his coming to land, they all repaired to church, where there was a candle burning on the altar. There they stood still for a time, when, on a given signal, the candle was put out, and straight-away, they adjourned to the fields where the night was spent mirthfully over the ale. Next morning, they returned to their respective homes, in the belief that they had ensured a plentiful crop for the next season. It seems likely that was originally some kind of god, whose worship had been lightly

Christian A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a Monotheism, monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the wo ...

ised by the addition of various church features. However, it is also possible that ', the

form of the English '' Johnny'', may also be a reference to one of the Saints John.

References

* ' {{Fairies Isle of Lewis Scottish legendary creatures Water spirits

See also

References