Den-seek

Some of in the northern parts of Antrim recall or have even experienced a seasonal tradition of the Neldorlanders called the Den-seek, a tradition meant to discern the coming of spring, as well as a test of courage for young adults. 
In the early part of Lunasadh, Neldorlanders venture out with only a spear in small groups, using their stealth and sense of survival to find a cave where a bear might be hibernating. Using their courage and their wits, they travel into these caves in an attempt to see if the bear inside has awoken or if it is still sleeping. If the bear is found still asleep, they return to the village with news that it is still winter and the village waits to plant any crops for the coming season. 
Of course there are risks associated, since the bear could be awake in the cave or awaken when the Neldorlanders enter the cave, so many times a Neldorlander is dragged back to the village bloody or even left behind, but the villagers know then that their crops can be planted because spring has started.

Components and tools

Spears are the only weapon allowed to be brought on the Den-seek.

Participants

Commonly, this tradition is performed by the young men of the tribe, although young women have also been known to partake in the Den-seek. It is usually run almost exclusively by the young, however, and can sometimes be seen as a rite of passage among the young adults of a tribe or community.

Observance

The Den-seek generally starts when the frost has started to recede and the skies are warmer, typically in the first week or two of Lunasadh. It may continue to occur throughout until the first bear is found awake, but it cannot be repeated within a day of each other at the same cave.

Primary Related Location

Neldorland