What are Celtic locs?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

Celtic locs, also known as faerie locks or elf-locks, are a traditional belief and folklore among the Celts. The term “locs” refers to the tangled and knotted hair that is believed to be caused by mischievous faeries or elves during the night. This belief is particularly associated with young children who wake up with tangled hair after a night’s sleep.

In Celtic folklore, faeries and elves are often seen as supernatural beings who have the power to interact with humans in various ways. One of these ways is believed to be through the manipulation of hair. It is said that these mystical creatures would visit children while they slept and play with their hair, causing it to become tangled and knotted.

When a Celtic mother would see her child wake up with faerie locks or elf-locks, she would often use this as an opportunity to engage with the faerie folklore. Instead of simply brushing out the tangles, she might whisper to her child that they had caught faerie locks or elf-locks. This would add a sense of wonder and enchantment to the situation, making it a part of the faerie realm.

The belief in faerie locks or elf-locks reflects the Celtic people’s strong connection to nature and their belief in the supernatural. The Celts believed that the faeries and elves inhabited the natural world, and their presence could be felt in everyday life. They attributed various natural phenomena, such as the growth of mushrooms or the rustling of leaves, to the influence of these magical beings.

It is important to note that faerie locks or elf-locks are not a physical hairstyle but rather a symbolic representation of the interaction between humans and the faerie realm. The tangled hair serves as a reminder of the mystical and unpredictable nature of the faeries and their ability to leave traces of their presence in the human world.

In modern times, the belief in faerie locks or elf-locks has become more of a cultural and folkloric tradition rather than a widely held belief. However, it still holds a special place in Celtic folklore and serves as a connection to the rich mythology and heritage of the Celtic people.

To summarize, Celtic locs, also known as faerie locks or elf-locks, are tangled and knotted hair that is believed to be caused by mischievous faeries or elves. The belief in faerie locks reflects the Celtic people’s connection to nature and their belief in the supernatural. It is a cultural and folkloric tradition that adds a sense of wonder and enchantment to the everyday lives of the Celts.