feiseanna (pl.)., fes
[Irish foaid, to spend the night with, to sleep with]
Although this word had as many as six definitions in early Irish, it usually has but two in English usage. (a) A feast or celebration, especially in honour of, or commemorating, the marriage of a king; this would include a symbolic marriage to a sovereignty figure. Important examples were held periodically at Cruachain, Emain Macha, and, most prominently, at Tara. Distinguish from fair; féil; festival. See also BANAIS RÍGHE. (b) A competitive musical convention, comparable to the eisteddfod of Wales; the Feis Cheoil was founded in Dublin in 1897 to promote Irish music.
