As part of the Symbolism Throughout Cultures‘ series, I would like to focus on Ireland and their symbols. Most of us, especially those of us who grew up or are living in New York either know them well or are familiar with them.

I have always been intrigued to find that many cultures share the same symbols or a variation of them. Through symbols that created images to satisfy their needs, earlier People made sense of the world around them.

In this post, I want to look at some of the symbols of Ireland, symbols which have evolved and become identifiers of their heritage and culture. And just like when I posted about the Tainos, I also have a stake in this research, as I recently found out that I am half Irish. Darn, Ancestry DNA…

Many of the ones I discuss I knew from growing up in New York among many Irish friends. Others, like the torque were new to me. Not the torque itself, but the fact that it was also a symbol of Irish nationality. I hope you enjoy the reading. And, please make any corrections or additions in the comments section at the end of the post.

Celtic Torque

A torque is a specific style of Celtic necklace or collar. It is a flat metal band that clasps tightly around the neck. Made of gold or silver, a torque can be plain with an ornamental clasp or decorated with intricately-carved Celtic knotwork. Some were made in the style of a cuff bracelet, with an opening in the front to allow them to be easily placed around the neck.

Among the ancient Celtic tribes, torques were a symbol of high rank. They were worn by priests, warriors, queens, and kings. A torque was a symbol of divine or magical protection as well as social status, and they were believed to protect the wearer from curses, evil wishes, or physical harm in battle.

Celtic Harp 

The harp is the oldest official symbol of Ireland. It appears on Irish and British coins and the coat of arms of the Republic of Ireland. It is also traditional in Scotland.

It has been used in both ancient history and popular culture though many do not know this. It’s been long associated with Irish life going back as far as the 1500’s and even earlier in Gaelic society. The Harp was an example of early Gaelic aristocratic society. Presently, the harp appears on the Irish Euro, on the Coat of Arms, and even on a glass of Guinness.

St. Brigid’s Cross

Also known as the Brighid’s Cross and Bride’s Cross, the cross is a revered Irish Christian symbol. It is usually woven from rushes, or occasionally straw, and is hung prominently by the house door or in the rafter to protect the building from fire and the evil spirits. The cross is made to commemorate St. Brigid, one of the patron saints of Ireland.

In ancient times, to mark the beginning of spring celebrated on February 1, the Celts held a religious festival known as Imbolc. Because St. Brigid was associated with the Imbolc, the 1st of February later became St. Brigid’s Day. Many throughout the country celebrate this day with the tradition of making a cross to prominently display in their homes.

Celtic Cross

The Celtic cross is a form of Christian cross that features a ring that emerged in Ireland and Britain in the Early Middle Ages. It became widespread through its use in the stone high crosses erected across the islands, especially in regions evangelized by Irish missionaries, from the 9th through the 12th centuries.

The form pictured gained new popularity during the Celtic Revival of the 19th century where it also gained its name. The shape, usually decorated with different motifs from Insular art, became popular for funerary monuments and other uses, and has remained so, spreading well beyond Ireland.

The Shamrock

Anyone who sees this three-leafed plant automatically thinks of Ireland. The shamrock is a three-leafed clover that grows abundantly in Ireland. A shamrock, by definition, is a young sprig of clover. The word “shamrock” is derived from the Irish “seamróg,” which translates to “young clover.” Over the centuries, this little plant has come to symbolize many things Irish. The shamrock is also very connected to St. Patrick’s Day. It is said that he used the shamrock to spread Christianity in Ireland since the three leaves of the plant could represent the Holy Trinity. The number three had significance in Ireland long before St. Patrick began to convert the masses. 

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is popular among those of Irish heritage as both a friendship and wedding ring. This traditional design consists of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, and symbolises love, friendship, and loyalty. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh in Galway. The ring, as we know it today, was first produced in the 17th century.

The Claddagh’s design features two hands clasping a heart and usually mounted by a crown. The elements symbolize love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). Claddagh rings are relatively popular among the Irish and those of Irish heritage, such as Irish Americans. They are cultural symbols and given as friendship, engagement, and wedding rings.

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Leave me a comment!

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/

https://www.wikipedia.org/