The Tara Brooch

February 18, 2014 By 2 Comments

The Tara Brooch is an elaborate piece of ancient Irish jewelry dating back to around 700 AD. It is on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

Composed mostly of silver and embellished with delicate, interlacing, gold, filigree patterns, it is widely recognized as a symbol of Ireland.

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Tara Brooch

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Celtic brooches are available from many fine jewelers and Irish gift shops throughout the world, with craftsmen finding inspiration from the original Tara brooch. Today I thought I would explain the history behind this wonderful Celtic piece.

Discovered in 1850, this legendary brooch was created for a medieval chieftain to balance his seamless cloak on his manly shoulders.  The weapon-like long pin of the brooch was strong enough to bore through layers of rough cloth. The high quality of workmanship reinforced this chieftain’s head of clan status.

The original brooch is said to have been found by a poor Irish woman in August 1850 on the beach at Bettystown, County Meath. She supposedly claimed she found it in a box buried in the sand. An ancient wooden box surviving under shifting sands for centuries may seem like a tall story. Many believe the woman found the box inland, but moved it to the beach to avoid ownership claims by the land holder.

Another version of the story claims the beautiful piece was found by two little boys playing on Bettystown beach. Their mother brought it to an iron dealer, who wasn’t even slightly tempted to purchase it.  She proceeded to a watchmaker who purchased the ancient brooch for the vast sum of eighteen pence. I wonder if she ever realized how little she was paid for her find.  The watchmaker used his skills to clean up the piece, and then traveled to Dublin where he hoped to find a buyer.  Waterhouse Jewellers paid him twelve pounds for the pin.

Tara Brooch Fabric From Fraser Street Fabric

Tara Brooch Fabric From Fraser Street Fabric

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Although named after the famous seat of the Irish High Kings, the brooch actually has no true connection to the Hill of Tara. George Waterhouse, a creator of Celtic revival jewelry, hoped the name would appeal to women, stimulating a demand for replicas of the intricately ornate brooch. His marketing ploy worked, and to this very day this famous piece of jewelry inspires craftsmen throughout the world.

Although originally a masculine design, the Tara Brooch was quickly favored by Irish women.  In the early years of the 20th century feather boas and furs were the fashion choice of New York and London ladies.  Irish women, however, preferred to pin their serge suits with intricate brooches encrusted with precious stones, inspired by Celtic myth and the Tara Brooch.  Even Queen Victoria herself sent orders for the precious pin to be sent to Windsor Castle for her personal inspection.

Inghiniidhe na hEireann (The Daughters of Ireland) chose a Tara Brooch as a membership symbol. To them it represented a purely Irish identity, so they proudly donned their badge of choice.  In 1914 they merged with Cumann na mBan, and their Tara Brooch symbol was replaced by a more militant emblem of a rifle entwined with the letters ‘CnamB’. Perhaps they failed to recognize the more subtle insignia of the brooch, evocative of a medieval sword.

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National Museum of Ireland – Home of the Tara Brooch

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In the 1870′s the brooch was acquired by what now is The National Museum of Ireland, and there it remains on display, for all the world to see.  Whether found on the beach, the famous Hill of Tara or under some stone wall, by an old woman or her two boys, the Irish people are eternally grateful for the discovery of this national treasure.

And finally a few words of advice for anyone thinking there may be more brooches and ancient jewels just waiting to be found on the Emerald Isle. Metal detecting is illegal in Ireland. This step was taken to preserve Ireland’s historical heritage, and to ensure only those with archaeological expertise and an appropriate license excavate our ancient sites.

And so, when you wear a Celtic brooch,  wear it confidently and with pride. Your taste in fashion and style would be pleasing to Ireland’s ancient warrior kings.

 

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

 

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Chicken Curry With Apple And Raisins

February 13, 2014 By 2 Comments

Chicken curry may have originated in India, but it is a firm dinner favorite throughout the Emerald Isle. Many Irish people purchase their curries at local Chinese take-outs, but I prefer to cook mine from scratch.

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A few chopped apples and raisins add a perfect sweet surprise to this dish. Whether you like to eat your curries with rice, or naan bread, or Irish style with a side of chips (french fries), I hope you enjoy this recipe.

If you prefer a smoother curry sauce to pour over your chips, my recipe for chips and curry sauce can be found here.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 large chicken breasts
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 3 small granny smith apples (diced)
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 4 cups water
  • chopped cilantro (to garnish if desired)
  • cooked rice (to serve)

 

Spices for Chicken Curry

Most curry recipes simply use store bought curry powder. I like to use curry powder as the base for a special spice mix to enhance the flavors in this recipe.

Create your own spice blend by mixing curry powder, turmeric, coriander, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and chili powder. If you like a very spicy curry you can add more chili powder.

You can use two to three teaspoons of this blend for a milder curry, but if like me you like a spicier dish, you can use the complete blend in your dish.

Onion, garlic and curry powder for chicken curry

Melt the butter in a large skillet, or you can use a large pot or Dutch oven like me. Sauté the chopped onions and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the spices and stir continuously as you cook the spices for another 5 minutes.

Adding chicken to curry chicken

Add the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring to completely coat the chicken pieces with the spices.

Mixing yogurt and tomato paste

Mix the yogurt and tomato paste together.

Making chicken curry

Add it to the chicken together with the water.

Simmering chicken curry

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 40 minutes.

Adding apple to chicken curry

Add the diced apple and raisins, and simmer for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. Peel and dice your apples just before adding them to the dish. If sliced to early the apples can turn brown, and don’t look very appealing in the finished dish.

Boiled basmati rice

Prepare the rice according to the package directions. I like to use basmati rice for a true taste of India.

Chicken Curry with apples and raisins served over rice

Serve the curry hot over cooked rice.

I hope you enjoy this little taste of India, enjoyed by so many Irish people today.

Here is the printable recipe:

Chicken Curry With Apple And Raisins

Print recipe
Chicken Curry With Apple And Raisins
Serves 6
Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 1 hour, 15 minutes
Total time 1 hour, 30 minutes
Meal type Main Dish
Misc Serve Hot
Chicken curry may have originated in India but it is a firm dinner favorite throughout the Emerald Isle. Chopped apples and raisins add an extra dimension and sweetness to this spicy dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 3 small granny smith apples (diced)
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 4 cups water
  • chopped cilantro (to garnish if desired)
  • cooked rice (to serve)

Directions

Step 1 Combine the spices and mix well together.
Step 2 Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until onion starts to soften.
Step 3 Add the spices. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 4 Add the chicken, mixing to fully coat it in spices. Cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5 Blend the yogurt and tomato paste together and add to the chicken mixture.
Step 6 Add the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer the curry for 40 minutes.
Step 7 Add the apples and raisins and simmer for an additional 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 8 Serve over hot rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
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Happy curry cooking. And since tomorrow is St. Valentine’s Day, why not spice things up by trying this hot dish.

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

 

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How To Make A St. Brigid’s Cross Using Pipe Cleaners

February 1, 2014 By 12 Comments

On St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland it is customary to make reed crosses named after the saint. But, if like me, you live in the city, it is not easy to find an abundant supply of reeds.  In America, reeds and rushes don’t grow as prolifically as in the wet soil of my homeland.

St. Brigid's Crosses Made With Reeds

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Determined to mark this day by making some crosses with my kids, I decided pipe cleaners would be the best solution. ‘Chenille stem’ seems to be the new name for this trusted craft supply. Add a little glitter and a good old pipe cleaner is transformed into a chenille stem.

Pipe Cleaner For A St. Brigid's Cross

To make your cross you will need 18 or 22 stems, depending on how big you’d like to make the center square of your cross.

Steps To Make A St. Brigid's Cross

Lay one stem straight and bend all others, except one, in half. Cut the last one in four equal pieces for binding the ends of each arm of the cross.

Step 1: Loop one bent stem around the center of the vertical stem, pointing the ends to the right.

Step 2: Loop the next bent stem around the first arm, pointing upwards.

Step 3:  The next bent stem is looped around the upward arm, pointing to the left.

Step 4:  The final arm is created by pointing a bent stem downwards around the left arm.

Repeat these four steps 3 or 4 times to expand your cross, starting each round on the right and underneath the arm.

Securing the last stem of a St. Brigid's Cross

The final stem must be secured.  Pull the last loop of the right arm back a little, and slot the last stem downwards and through this hole. Re-tighten each loop.

Securing the ends of a St Brigid's Cross with pipe cleaners

Secure the end of each arm using a small piece of pipe cleaner.

Chenille Stem St. Brigid's Cross

And there you have it, a St. Brigid’s Cross made with pipe cleaners, even if it’s a little more glittery than the saint’s original.

Glittery St. Brigid's Crosses

We got a little carried away this morning, making big ones and small ones, multicolored and glittery crosses. But let’s face it. St. Brigid loved a good party, so I think she would approve of a little sparkle.

Happy St. Brigid’s Day to all.

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

P.S. Thanks to Maureen at “Make Time For Nature” for her lovely photo of St. Brigid’s crosses made with reeds.

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I’m Coming Home – A Song For Christmas by The Jigsaw Jam and Keith O’Brien

December 23, 2013 By 13 Comments

I’m Coming Home is a new Christmas song penned by Keith O’Brien and The Jigsaw Jam, and dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Irish emigrants around the world, who will not be able to make it home for the holidays.

Grafton Street’s Christmas lights twinkled in the background as these musicians filmed this heart warming song.  The video features clips of immigrants from around the globe sending messages home to their loved ones.

 

This is an amazing song by Irish artists with fabulous voices. Their Christmas present this year will hopefully be recognition by the music industry, which they truly deserve.

 

Beware – this video carries a Homesickness Warning!!!!

 

For anyone spending Christmas far away from family and friends, this song will bring tears to your eyes.

Homesickness is a strange phenomenon, which I have suffered from at various stages throughout my twenty something years living in America. When my initial wanderlust subsided during the first year of my time here, I soothed my Irish soul by returning to my family at Christmas time to recharge my batteries.

But as years passed by and cash flow restricted me from taking multiple trips across the Atlantic, my yuletide journeys to the Emerald Isle came to an end.  My passion for my new country has not waned, but at Christmas it is difficult not to feel homesick and sad. That’s when I miss Ireland the most.

To minimize my loneliness I bake cookies, join in every American Christmas activity, but deep down each year I miss my family in Dublin, Cork and Donegal.

The poignant words of this song stirred my heart and made me think of all the Irish people spending Christmas far away from home.

It’s over twenty years since I spent Christmas in Ireland, but I’m happy to say this year is an exception. My kids are so excited to experience their first Christmas in Ireland with their grandparents. We’ve e-mailed Santa to make sure he knows their correct delivery address.

And so, as I listened to this lovely song, I smiled because finally, I’m Coming Home for Christmas.

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do. The single I’m Coming Home is now available on iTunes.

 

Nollaig Shona Daoibh

(Merry Christmas)

 

Irish American Mom

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“Hope In New York City” – A Young Adult Novel By Cynthia G. Neale

December 17, 2013 By 12 Comments

Hope in New York City: The Continuing Story of The Irish Dresser by Cynthia G. Neale tells America’s story, through the eyes of a young Irish immigrant, Nora McCabe.

Today I am delighted to introduce you to the second installment in an Irish American trilogy for young adult readers.

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In this book we experience Nora’s struggles, her inner turmoil and homesickness, and her journey towards becoming an American in the midst of prejudice and hardship.

Nora does not merely seek a new land, a roof over her head or a new nationality. She yearns deeply for a familiar sense of home. Through her daily struggles, she learns true belonging exists in the human spirit, and in the love of family and friends.

It is important to remember the Irish Famine, especially for those of us with family ties to the Emerald Isle. This book offers young readers meaningful and realistic insights into the experience of Irish immigrants as they arrived destitute on America’s shores.

Cynthia Neale is a talented writer, who progresses her tale in a lively, lyrical style. I admire her ability to write historical fiction in first person, present tense.

It’s many years since I could be classified as a young adult reader. The now familiar “YA” term didn’t even exist when I was a teenager.  The books of my youth were mainly written in third person, past tense, making this novel the first book written in first person, present tense, I ever read.

At first I found this point of view and tense a little off-putting, but Neale’s mastery of her story, and her skillful descriptions of the dangerous streets of New York, captured my imagination. With each page I turned, she reeled me in with her gripping narrative, and detailed imagery.

I quickly found myself deep within Nora McCabe’s young mind, coming to understand and empathize with her homesickness, yet wishing for her to let the past go. I cheered as she learned to open her heart to her new city, and to connect with her new neighbors.

I may be an old fashioned, traditional reader of 3rd person, past tense historical fiction, but by the end of this book, I came to appreciate the power and urgency of present tense storytelling. I now understand how immediate action and narrative can draw a reader in.  In this book, the dark and dangerous streets of 1840′s New York came to life.  I traveled hand-in-hand with Nora, learning to navigate and survive in her new and perilous world.

I did however have two minor issues with this book. Nora’s last name, McCabe, was not an appropriate choice for a family from County Cork. As an Irish person, I associate the name McCabe with the counties of Ulster rather than Munster.

In addition, the dialogue in this book did not reflect the nuances of Cork people’s conversations.  The word “wee’ was used too frequently. It is an Irish term for the word little, but is seldom used in Cork. It is heard most frequently in the northern counties of Ulster. These minor issues would probably go unnoticed by 99% of readers, but since my entire family hails from County Cork, the characters of this book were not true Corkonians for me.

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The Trilogy:

 

This sequel continues Nora’s saga, which started in The Irish Dresser: A Story of Hope during The Great Hunger.  Nora crawls into an old dresser to escape from Ireland to America and the devastation of the Irish Famine. Inside her dresser on board ship, Nora learns to turn hope into reality.

The third, and most recently published volume in this series, is Norah: The Making of an Irish American Woman in 19th Century New York City. Here our young heroine frees herself from the limitations of poverty, gender and class as she learns to overcome corruption and exploitation.

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A single volume or this complete trilogy would make a perfect Christmas gift for any young adult reader interested in history, their Irish roots or the making of America. I highly recommend these books for young students of Irish and American history.

 

Cynthia G. Neale:

 

Cynthia Neale is an American with Irish ancestry, who frequently travels to Ireland, and is keenly interested in the tragedies and triumphs of the Irish during the Famine. She grew up in Watkins Glen, New York, and now lives in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter.

 

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Cynthia G. Neale

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I love this explanation of her writing style from her official web page:

“I seek to sew my stories together with the unbreakable golden thread of hope.This golden thread oftentimes is a rare and buried treasure that has to be found with great tenacity and prescience.Hope can come lilting and skipping throughout lighthearted and humorous stories, whether they are written for adults or children.”

Wishing Cynthia every success with this wonderful trilogy of Irish American tales.

 

Slán agus beannacht leat!

(Goodbye and blessings)

Irish American Mom

 

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