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Societal Structure |
- An Overview - |
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 n a broad sense, Clann na Fhaoil-Choin draws on the evidences of the continental and insular Celtic societies as a whole, as well as those of other Indo-European linguistically related peoples and cultures. In a more finite sense, we fill in these broad societal models predominantly with evidences from the Iron Age and Medieval insular societies of Alba and Eire. The Albanach of the northern and western isles, as well as those of the north central Highlands regions, had early and fairly continuous contact with various proto-Norse and Norse peoples, and so some influence from this quarter is to be expected as well. The study of Indo-European and Celtic migrations shows that almost without fail, they adopted societal and cultural aspects of lands where they eventually settled. We are no different than our ancestors, and, though they be slight, and mostly in spiritual areas, some south western Native American aspects exist within our society. |
Skara Brae |
| We recognize that not all of the particulars of the aforementioned societies are valid in the era in which we live. Through comprehensive study and research, and a good deal of introspection and conversation, we decide what is valid for our time, and what is not. Some things need not be changed, for they are valid in any age or era. Some things we see validity in, but realize that in order for them to work, they must be changed somewhat to suit the times. These changes we make carefully, working from a Celtic mindset and worldview, that many of us have taken years, much study, and continuous real life application to build. Those things which we find hold no validity and/or practicality in our era, we honor as the ways of our ancestors, and leave them respectfully in the past. |
- Castes - |
 lann na Fhaoil-Coin bases its broad foundations on the caste system found in Iron Age and Medieval Celtic society. These basic castes, or close variations of them, can be found in all Indo-European linguistically related cultures. In Iron Age and Medieval Eire and Alba, the three 'main' castes of society were the Draoi, the Laoich, and the Aire. Draoi were the intelligence; they were philosophers, teachers, judges, lawyers, healers, astrologers, astronomers, seers, and religious functionaries. Their education, which sources indicate was twelve to twenty years, earned them a status in society in which they were considered to be nemed (sacred). Laoich were the 'professional' warriors of Celtic society. They were the warrior aristocracy who kept retinues of warriors in their service. The Aire were freemen and freewomen who most often owned land, which was a symbol of significant status, and were predominantly involved with the raising of cattle (and other livestock) and/or the growing of crops. These castes were subserved by another class of people; skilled artisans, various types of menial workers, agricultural serfs, entertainers, and laborers to list a few. These people were predominantly considered to be 'bond'. Though technically 'un-free', as they were attached to a lord or landowner, they were not slaves. Slaves did exist in Celtic society however. The caste system of Celtic society can be loosely compared to the caste system of Vedic India; the Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra. |
| These castes, though changed to suit the times in which we live, exist within the societal structure of Clann na Fhaoil-Choin as well. As a modern Albanach clann we use modern Gaidhlig terminology, not the Old Irish. The castes are:
Luchd-Eólas: "people of knowledge" - This caste includes people who are teachers, historians, philosophers, religious functionaries, councilors, seers, sacrificers, judges, lawyers, healers, astrologers, astronomers, and people of the sciences. They are normally degreed, certified, and/or licensed in their fields where at all possible, or have extended work histories in them. Dùonadairan: "protectors" - This caste included the protectors of our communities and of our treubh. They are either currently or have been military, law enforcement, or fire department personnel, and continue in some way to follow a life path that pertains to the protecting of the community and treubh. Ceäirdean: "crafts people" - This caste includes people who are skilled craftsmen, artisans, and technologists. They are normally degreed and/or certified in their skill, or have an extended work history in that skillset. Luchd-Cuidich: "people of supporting" - This caste consists of the basic citizen of the treubh, they are the foundation of our folk. People who have completed their time of comhaltas (fosterage) must spend a minimum of 18 months as part of this caste before any mobility into another caste is possible. Movement into another caste of our society is not required. |
- Government - |
 ur government is a linear hierarchy, with the Righ Treubh (Tribal Chieftain) being the ultimate figurehead. This individual can be male or female, and their "term of office" is life, unless they resign or die. The Righ Treubh has the right to make any and all executive decisions as they see fit. Normally however, the Righ Treubh makes decisions based on input from the Comhairle (council). The Righ Tánaisteach (Secondary Chieftain) can be seen as the "heir apparent". This is a position of grooming and preparation for the chieftaincy of the treubh. The Righ Tánaisteach performs as Righ when requested to do so by the Righ Treubh, at these times the duties conform to those of the Righ Treubh. This person holds high position within the ranks of the tribe at all other times. The Comhairle (council) is an advisory council made up of elected tribal members, at the ratio of one (1) comhairleach (councilor) per nine (9) tribe folk. The foundation of our government is the tribe folk as a whole. They hold voice in the tribe through the Comhairle.
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- Local Divisions - | |
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 he primary division of Clann na Fhaoil-Choin is the family unit. We see them as the most important building blocks of our tribe, the center points for the perpetuation of our morals, values, and culture. The largest division of the family unit is the Cinneadh, or extended family. They consist of individuals related by blood and marriage, as well as Teaghlach fostered by them. Each of these Cinneadh is headed by a Ceann-Cinnidh (Head of the Family). The smallest division of the tribe is the Teaghlach (household), which is defined as members of the same household, normally related by blood or marriage. Teaglach are headed by a Ceann-Teaglach (Head of the Household) |
- Social Status - |
 here social status is concerned, one is considered to be Deóradh (Outsider), neo-Saor (Unfree), or Saor (Free). The following are definitions of these social statuses.The Deóradh is divided into two classes of people, the Gallda ('foreigner' - lit. 'belonging to a strange land'), and the Coigreach (lit. 'one that comes from a neighboring province'). The Gallda is someone who is not part of the tribe, nor do they come from a similar tribal polity. These are normally people who are from societies that in no way, shape, or form, resemble our own. Coigreach on the other hand, though not of our tribe, come from similar tribal polities. Other Celtic Traditionalists, Celtic Restorationists, Gaelic Traditionalists, Asatraur, and Native Americans are some examples of possible Coigreach. neo-Saor are called Iochdaran (legal inferior). They are bound to an Uachdaran (legal superior), and are in the time of Comhaltas (Fosterage). They have no vote in tribal affairs, though they may speak in open discussions about tribal affairs. They are covered by the honor of the Uachdaran. Treubhanach (Tribe Folk) are of Saor (free) status, and are full members of the treubh. They are fully covered by tribal law, and have a voice and a vote in all tribal affairs. Saor peoples are considered to be naomh (sacred) or neo-naomh (non sacred). Occupational group, life path, and/or rank determine these divisions. neo-Naomh (non sacred) peoples are known as Cumantach (comon folk) and are the ordinary folk of the tribe. They are the largest of the castes/classes and are the foundation of the tribe. They are predominantly Luchd-Cuidich, Ceáirdean, and common Dùonadairan. |
- Rank - |
 s stated above, our society is defined in a broad sense by caste. In a more finite sense, we define individuals, and their place within our treubh, by rank. Studies of medieval Irish society show a clear and well defined system of ranking, each having specific requirements of land holdings, cattle holdings, clients (base and free), dwelling size, secondary dwelling size, oath value, honor price, retinue size, hospitality requirements, sick maintenance requirements, and render of time and product. These requirements are clearly outlined in Brehon law tracts. The main tracts on status are Cráth Gablach, C¶in Aicillne, Uraicecht Becc, and Múadslechta, and it is from these tracts that we form the basis of the ranks within our treubh. The study of specific Brehon laws detailing status is ongoing research. Thus far we have addressed the first three base ranks of the Aire, (Old Irish 'freeman') and have worked them to apply to our Luchd-Cuidich caste/class. These base ranks are outlined below. |
The Ranks of the Saoranach and ban-Shaoranach |
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| Rank | Qualifications | Honor Price | Time Render | Money Render |
| Fer Midboth (1st) | Age: 14-17, inheritance: n/a, owns no land or home | $37.50 | 6 hrs. (quarterly) | $9.38 (quarterly) $37.50 annually |
| Fer Midboth (2nd) | Age: 17-20, inheritance: n/a, owns no land or home | $75.00 | 12 hrs. (quarterly) | $18.75 (quarterly) $75.00 annually |
| Óenchiniud | Age: 20+, inheritance: n/a, owns no land or home | $150.00 | 18 hrs. (quarterly) | $37.50 (quarterly) $150.00 annually |
| Ócaire | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | Forthcoming |
| Boaire | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | Forthcoming | Forthcoming |
| The dollar amounts shown for the first three ranks of free people were based on the current dollar value of the actual render of the Óenchiniud in medieval Ireland, which was 'a wether and it's accessories'. This is 1 wether (yearling male sheep), 1 handful of onions (with tops), 1 ol of butter, and 3 ols of milk. In modern times, the monetary breakdown is as follows: 1 wether = approx. $100, 1 handful of onions = approx. $2.00, Butter (5 lbs.) = approx. $15.00, Milk (15 gallons) = approx. $30.00; complete render in total = $150. These prices are based on researched low-end averages, and the total is rounded to the nearest tens of dollars. Primary sources show that the honor price was equal to the render for the first three grades of the commoner. These sources further show that the render, and therefore the honor price, of the 2nd fer midboth was twice that of the 1st fer midboth. The honor price and render of the Óenchiniud was approximately twice that of the 2nd fer midboth. We have determined Honor Price and Render of the Óenchiniud ($150), halved it for Honor Price and Money Render for the 2nd fer midboth ($75), and halved that again for the Honor Price and Money Render of the 1st fer midboth ($37.50). |
Model Rendition of Iron Age Broch |
Information for the Ócaire and the Boaire will be addressed in the near future. Following that, ranking information for noble lords, people of craft, and the intelligencia will be addressed. As mentioned, the learning and study involved in this aspect of our treubh is an ongoing work.
Neach-SuibhailClann na Fhaoil-Choin has long standing members who have, through work and life path, moved from the local area. These people we call Neach-Suibhail (Travelers). Their votes are considered to be abstentions, they have no set honor price, and they are not responsible for time and money renders. They are our kin none the less, and always have a home to return to when they wish. |
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