Meitheal

= "Meitheal is the Irish word for a work team, gang, or party and denotes the co-operative labour system in Ireland where groups of neighbours help each other in turn with farming work, such as harvesting crops." [1]

Description

Will Ruddick:

"In ancient Ireland, Meitheal was a cornerstone of rural life. Derived from the Irish word for "gathering" or "work party," Meitheal was a voluntary, cooperative effort where community members came together to perform labor-intensive tasks. This included harvesting crops, constructing buildings, and managing communal lands.

The benefits of Meitheal were multifaceted:

• Mutual Aid: Tasks were completed efficiently, with everyone contributing their skills and effort.

• Community Bonding: The gatherings strengthened social ties and fostered a sense of collective responsibility.

• Knowledge Exchange: Participants shared farming techniques and craftsmanship, enhancing communal knowledge."

(https://willruddick.substack.com/p/from-ireland-meitheal-to-kenya-mweria)