Fairies Across History and Cultures
The antiquity of the belief is shown by its being found among all branches of the Celtic and Teutonic families, and in countries which haven’t had, within historical times, any communication with each other. If it be no entirely of Celtic origin, there can be no doubt that among the Celtic races it acquired an importance and influence accorded to it nowhere else. Of all the beings, with which fear or fancy peopled the supernatural, the Fairies were the most intimately associated with men's daily life.
Throughout most of these former celtic nations : Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Germany, the Fairies have become things of the past. A common belief is that they existed once, though they are not now seen. There are others to whom the elves have still a real existence, and who are careful to take precautions against them. It would be difficult to find a person who knows the whole Fairy creed, but the tales of one district are never contradictory of those of another and are still present even if they sometimes remain as a confused jumbling of all superstitions.
The Dismiss of Fairies
From the XVIII century onwards, the fairies have been said to have departured or to be in decline. People do not see them any more and some argue that the Faeries will eventually disappear as men have stopped believing in them. Other put forward pollution, urbanization, science as the main causes for their disparition. Yet, however often they may be reported as gone, the fairies still linger. In Ireland the fairy beliefs are still part of the normal texture of life; in the Highlands, Islands or Brittany the traditions continue.Somewhere at the beginning of the 19th century, Hugh Miller recorded what was supposed to be the final departure of the fairies from Scotland at Burn of Eathie.
On a Sabbath morning... the inmates of this little hamlet had all gone to church, all except a herd-boy, and a little girl, his sister, who were lounging beside one of the cottages; when, just as the shadow of the garden-dial had fallen on the line of noon, they saw a long cavalcade ascending out of the ravine through the wooded hollow. It winded among the knolls and bushes; and, turning round the northern gable of the cottage beside which the sole spectators of the scene were stationed, began to ascend the eminence toward the south. The horses were shaggy, diminutive things, speckled dun and grey; the riders, stunted, misgrown, ugly creatures, attired in antique jerkins of plaid, long grey cloaks, and little red caps, from under which their wild uncombed locks shot out over their cheeks and foreheads. The boy and his sister stood gazing in utter dismay and astonishment, as rider after rider, each one more uncouth and dwarfish than the one that had preceded it, passed the cottage, and disappeared among the brushwood which at that period covered the hill, until at length the entire rout, except the last rider, who lingered a few yards behind the others, had gone by. 'What are ye, little mannie? and where are ye going?' inquired the boy, his curiosity getting the better of his fears and his prudence. 'Not of the race of Adam,' said the creature, turning for a moment in his saddle: 'the People of Peace shall never more be seen in Scotland.'
Description of Fairies
Faeries are often portrayed in Western children’s stories as tiny, winged, and good hearted. However, this description varies widely from worldwide folk traditions in which beliefs concerning hidden races sharing the earth with us have resided for most of human history.
Within different regions different descriptions of faeries grew, all were more or less human in form although sometimes taller or shorter, but never bearing wings. Much of their behaviour was much like humans as well; they had governments, societies, marriages, children, and war. They were often mortal and therefore, could be killed. However, unlike humanity, they had supernatural powers, which made them, at best, unpredictable and at worst, dangerous. Few people sought out the company of faeries and most went out of the way to avoid it.
Floral Fairy
The princess of the woodlands always has time to smell the sweet fragrances of the meadow. A gorgeous alabastrite creation.
5 3/4" x 5" x 9 1/2" high.
Purple Fairy with Orchid Vase
A delicate pastel-clad fairy and softly shaded orchids add breathtaking beauty to this enchanting vase.! Polyresin with glass vase.
5 1/4" x 3 1/4" x 9 1/4" high.
Victorian Fairy Birdfeeder
A slender young maiden hovers breathlessly above a blushing bloom, awaiting the moment when her feathered friends drop in for a mealtime visit. Perhaps she'll spread her own lacy wings and join them for a free-spirited flight! Nostalgic Victorian garden statue holds a generous handful of birdseed in each of its delicate flowers. Polyresin.
8" x 8 3/4" x 15 1/4" high.
Moonlight Fairy
Tealight Holder
A sweetly smiling fairy maiden perches upon the moon's crescent, dreaming wondrous dreams on a balmy springtime night. From the petals at her feet, a pair of tealight candles bestows her glittery gown and wings with a scattering of starry light. Polyresin. 5 3/4" x 5 1/4" x 7 7/8" high. Candles included.
Fairy and Rose Figurine
Footloose and fancy-free, this slender sprite is a celebration of brilliant color! She dances amongst the dewy roses, spreading joy wherever she goes; why not let her bring her brightness right into your home? Polyresin. 6 1/4" x 4" x 9" high.
Orchid Fairy Table Lamp
Pausing above a newly blooming bed of violet-sunset orchids, a winged beauty reflects upon the peacefulness of her shady forest glade. A gorgeous table lamp of incredible artistry, from the graceful floral shade to the delicate lifelike blooms at the base - sure to be the pride and joy of any dreamer at heart! Polyresin base and shade; metal "stem." Max. 15-watt E-12 bulb (not included). UL recognized cord.
6" x 10" x 17 3/8" high.
Fairy Daydream Tealight Holder
A slender maiden rests her glittering wings beneath the shade of two blushing lilies, her gaze turning skyward as she basks in the breeze of a glorious summer day. Cradled within the center of the two towering blooms is a pair of twinkling tealights. Delicately hued in soft pastel shades, this ultra-detailed sculpture seems to breathe with life! Polyresin with glass candle cops. Tealights not included.
6 1/4" x 4 3/4" x 11" high.
Joanna Gamble of Virginia
Boutique and Gift Shop
This page was last updated on: August 28, 2010
Forest Fairy
Tabletop Fountain
A young fairy maiden hovers above a cascade of blush-colored poppies, her golden tresses delicately catching the breeze. As she cradles her favorite flower in the crook of her arm, a sparkling cascade of water flows down to gently moisten the blooms below. This delightful fountain brightens your home with a bit of whimsical folklore! Polyresin. UL recognized cord.
11 1/4" diameter x 20 1/4"
Fairy
With Pink Roses
A tiny, bewitching enchantress lounges gracefully on a cushion of lush rose blossoms. Alabastrite.
4" x 3 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Homespun Fairy Figurine
A slender fairy maiden frolics amongst the lilypads, with her faithful butterfly companion joining the fun! With earthy colors and a unique combination of textures, this fetching figurine has the look of a hand-carved woodcraft. Spring-mounted mini butterfly adds a magical touch of merry motion. Polyresin. 4" x 5 1/2" x 12" high.
Fairy Cellphone Holder
Your cellphone will stay safe, sound and organized when it's guarded by its very own fairy! A dainty winged maiden perches atop a blushing bloom; beside her, a broad green leaf forms a fitting cup to cradle your phone. Cellphone not included. Polyresin and metal.
5 1/8" x 3" x 4 3/4" high.
Garden Fairy Photo Frame
A sweet-faced fairy maiden and her hummingbird pets are cheerful companions for your favorite photo! With lushly colored ornamentations and a generous helping of glittering fairy-dust, this beautifully fashioned frame is an artful surrounding for any treasured image. Holds one 4" x 6" photo. Polyresin and metal with plastic photo cover. 8 1/2" x 3 1/4" x 8 3/4" high.
Fairy Friendship Figurine
A grinning gargoyle dragon takes a time out to share her proudest moment with her fairytale friend - with a look of wonder, he carefully cradles her tiny newborn offspring!
A storybook scene of captivating charm, lovingly rendered in faux stone for the look of a hand-carved sculpture. Polystone.
7" x 4" x 8" high.
SCULPTURES
&
STATUARIES
HOME DECOR
Page 7f
Sculptures and Statuary
Page 5
Fairies
