IMAGE.ie columnist Naoise Ní Bhrion (or @YogaLeNaoise as you might know her) is a certified yoga teacher with a deep passion for both wellbeing and the Irish language, and in this series she brings those two loves together. Naoise believes that the words we choose, and the language we use, shape how we connect with ourselves and the world around us. In weaving yoga and Irish together, Naoise offers us a fresh perspective on what it means to feel grounded, whole and truly at home in ourselves.
When I was younger, I disliked my freckles. Until one day I discovered that in Irish they are known as póigíní gréine – ‘little kisses from the sun’. It made me feel somewhat special, as though the sun had chosen to bestow tiny kisses across my skin.
Now, every year, as Mí Bealtaine – the month of May rolls in and my freckles begin to appear once more, I’m reminded of the gentle imagery held within this Irish phrase. It’s one I love sharing with people to ignite a sense of wonder for Irish, a language that has the ability to transform ordinary things into something full of imagery and colour. However, it’s far from the only example.
As we come towards the end of Mí Bealtaine – May, a month long associated with new beginnings, creativity, warmth and movement, I would like to share some of na frásaí agus foclóir a b’fhearr liom – my favourite words and phrases inspired by this magical time of year.
Póigíní gréine: “little kisses from the sun” – freckles. The phrase that made me stop seeing mine as flaws and start seeing them as something a little magical.
Loinnir: glow, shimmer, radiance. The sparkle of sunlight dancing on the sea, but also those tiny “glimmer moments” in life that make you stop and think, this is what it means to feel alive.
Smugairle róin: literally “seal snot” – jellyfish. Slightly disgusting, slightly hilarious, and proof that Irish can be poetic and fun at the same time.
Bíonn siúlach scéalach: “those who travel have stories to tell.” One of those seanfhocail that makes me want to go wandering the world.
Ruaille buaille: chaos, ruckus and cheerful mayhem. The kind of loud, messy energy that always ends up becoming a good memory.
Tine chnámh: “bone fire” – bonfire. The name comes from ancient Celtic fires lit during celebrations like Bealtaine, traditionally using animal bones.
Bóín Dé: “God’s little cow” – ladybird. Tiny creatures made infinitely sweeter by the Irish language.
Flúirse: Abundance. A lovely word that always makes me think of summer arriving in full bloom.
An rud is annamh is iontach: “What is rare is wonderful.” A phrase that feels especially fitting in Ireland, where sunshine can feel rare, leading us to appreciate it so deeply when it arrives.
Bíonn bláth ar an sceach i gcónaí arís: “the hawthorn always blossoms again.” A gentle reminder that difficult seasons don’t last forever.
As Mí Bealtaine comes to a close, I hope these words and phrases inspire you to slow down a little, step into solas na gréine – the sunlight, and, if you’re lucky, be greeted by a few póigíní gréine upon your skin or a tiny bóín Dé landing gently on your hand.
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