Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1703, 1957
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SHONY, prop.n. The name of a sea-god celebrated in Lewis in medieval times (see quot.). Some scholars are rather sceptical about the genuineness of the account.w.Sc. 1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Islands 28:
The Inhabitants of this Island [Lewis] had an ancient Custom to sacrifice to a Sea God, called Shony, at Hallowtide, in the manner following. The Inhabitants round the Island came to the Church of St. Mulvay, having each Man his Provision along with him; every Family furnish'd a Peck of Malt, and this was brew'd into Ale; one of their number was pickt out to wade into the Sea up to the middle, and carrying a Cup of Ale in his Hand, standing still in that posture, cry'd out with a loud voice, saying, Shony I give you this Cup of Ale, hoping that you'll be so kind as to send us plenty of Sea-Ware for inriching our Ground the ensuing Year; and threw the Cup of Ale into the Sea. This was perform'd in the Night-Time; at his return to Land, they all went to the Church, where there was a Candle burning upon the Altar; and then standing silent for a little time, one of them gave a Signal, at which the Candle was put out, and immediately all of them went to the Fields, where they fell a drinking their Ale, and spent the remainder of the Night in Dancing and Singing, etc.Sc. 1957 W. R. Kermack Sc. Highlands 153:
At Samhain (Hallowe'en, 31st October, the beginning of Winter) the Lewismen made libation to the sea-god Shony, who could send them plenty of sea-weed to manure their fields.
