Cairn (Saxon, Carn, Hill or Heap)

Cairn (Saxon, Carn, Hill Or Heap)

in British and Scottish heathendom, was an artificial mound, encircled by trenches, on which the original natives performed judicial and sacred ceremonies. They were probably sepulchral monuments of eminent chiefs, and finally became noted landmarks. Public meetings were often held on them, and it is thought that criminals were executed there, and a fire was continually kept burning on them. Out of reverence, the hill in early times was only approached from the east and west. SEE ALTAR; SEE STONE.