what is ceili? Is it music?

Answer 1

It's fun!

It's a social event in the Gaelic Countries, sort of like a big party, at which traditional music (and sometimes pop these days) is played, there is step dancing and country dancing, and couples dancing.

The music is lively and the beer flows freely!

Answer 2

Céili (pronounced kay-lee) derives from an Irish (Gaelic) word meaning a friendly visit to next door especially in the evening.

The Irish traditionally visited neighbours after the day's work to talk and sing, tell stories, play cards and music and generally hang out. The tradition goes back to the times when education was banned (1650-1850)

Nowadays the most use is to describe a 'dance' function where Irish dancing and Irish music combine. I think Americans might be able to compare it with a 'barn-dance' or a 'hoe-down'

Answer 3

Ceili is the Irish equivalent of Scots Ceilidh dancing. It's traditional social/country dancing to fiddle, pipe and drum.

Answer 4

Ceol is the irish word for music, and a ceili is more of musical gathering. Very lively!

Answer 5

Some of your earlier answerers have it right. A Ceilii (Ceilidh) is a dance or gathering where traditional music would be played. Lots of fiddles and that sort of thing.

Back in the day, the set-dances would have been the main thing, and they still show their heads at weddings, but otherwise it generally refers to a dance with Irish Music.

Slán :)

Answer 6

its not an instrument. its a type of irish music. there are loads of ceili bands around ireland

Answer 7

A Ceilí is the name for the party where Irish music is played and Irish dancing takes place. We used to have ceilí's all the time in school. Great craic, and especially when you have a few drinks on ya.

Answer 8

It's actually spelled Céilidh - and it refers to a traditional Gaelic social dance in Ireland and Scotland. The entry in Wikipedia contains a detailed definition and history if you want to read more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceilidh

Cheers!

Answer 9

Instruments and Cell Phones....wow!

It's when people get together for traditional Irish music and dance!

Answer 10

You mean Ceilidh? It means a gathering, music is likely to be played at a Ceilidh, but it isn't Ceilidh music, its traditional scottish music.