Irish American Mom

Celebrating Our Irish Heritage Together

Symbols Of Ireland

Ireland has many famous emblems - the Irish tricolor, the shamrock, and the harp to name a few. But many, many things remind me of Ireland. Every time I see a rainbow in the sky, I think of the Emerald Isle. But these are easily identifiable symbols of Ireland. My list of iconic symbols is far longer and includes sods of turf, Irish dressers, round towers, ogham stones and Celtic knots. The list goes on and on. Join me in this section as we discover the many things in life, both big and small, that trigger a nostalgic longing for Ireland in our souls.

Discover The Book Of Kells Through Trinity College’s Free Online Course

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The Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s most famous cultural treasures, and can be found carefully preserved and on display in Trinity College, Dublin.

The Book of Kells is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript and dates from the 9th century.  It is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels and portrays the life of Jesus Christ.

Today, I have some wonderful news to share.  If you would like to further explore your Irish heritage and this important medieval artifact, then Trinity College is offering a free online course to help.

Now let me hand you over to the good folks at Trinity to fill you in on all the details.  I hope you enjoy examining the lovely illustrations they shared from this priceless treasure ….

 

FREE Online Course Exploring Irish History Through The Book of Kells:

 

A new, free, online course developed by Trinity College Dublin will allow learners worldwide to explore the history of Ireland through the remarkable Book of Kells — one of  the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts.

The ninth-century Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. A lavishly decorated copy of the four gospels written in Latin, it is set apart from other manuscripts of the same period by the quality of its artwork and the sheer number of illustrations that run throughout the 680 pages of the book.

Housed at the Library of Trinity College Dublin, the Book of Kells is one of the must-sees on the itinerary of visitors to Dublin.

Now members of the public around the world will have the opportunity to learn more about this precious manuscript through a new four-week online course.

 

Trinity’s Partnership with Futurelearn:

 

The “Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece” course will commence on October 8th, 2018.

It is run in partnership with Futurelearn, the social learning platform.

The free online course is aimed at anyone with an interest in Ireland, medieval studies, history, art, religion and popular culture.

The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) has been designed by academics from the School of Histories and Humanities, the School of Religion and staff from the Library.

Using the Book of Kells as a window, the course will explore the landscape, history, theology, and politics of early medieval Ireland and explore how that past is understood in modern Ireland.

Since 2014, Trinity has reached over 70,000 learners from more than 100 countries worldwide through seven free online courses with Futurelearn, the social learning platform.

See more here: https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/trinity-college-dublin

What The Course Will Cover:

 

Learners on the course will explore the art, theology and materiality of the manuscript and the meanings that it holds.

Each week the course will explore a different side of the Book of Kells; its history, how it was made, interpreting its images, and what the book means for popular culture today.

At the end of the course learners will be able to explain the function and meanings of medieval Irish art; understand how medieval manuscripts were made and engage critically with methodologies and scholarly debates which have shaped interpretations of the period.

The course will also equip learners with knowledge of the distinctive features of the Irish Church in this era and an understanding of the visual, theological and historical characteristics of medieval material culture.

 

What The Course Professors and Designers Are Saying:

 

Rachel Moss, Associate Professor in the History of Art and Architecture, and one of the course designers, commented:

“Every year the campus of Trinity fills with expectant visitors, keen to see the world famous Book of Kells for themselves. There are few experiences to beat the experience of gazing on these precious pages, and imagining who else has shared that privilege over the past 1,200 years. The longer you dwell, the more detail reveals itself, and the more intriguing the manuscript becomes.”

“In this course we look forward to being able to share the manuscript with those who have yet to see it for themselves, and share it again with those that have. The course will bring the learner beyond that initial encounter to explore its minute and intricate art, how it was made and what it might have meant to its makers.”

“The course will not just dwell in the past. The manuscript is extraordinary in the way in which it has managed to grip the public imagination up to the present day. Despite centuries of scholarship, new research continues to disentangle some of the enigmas that it presents.”

Fáinche Ryan, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the Loyola Institute, added:

“Growing up in Ireland I always knew that the Book of Kells was a great Irish treasure. But it wasn’t until I began to study it from the point of view of theology that I began to appreciate the wealth of insight to be gleaned from this important manuscript. It is a text both of great beauty, and of great learning.”

“The more I learn about the Book of Kells the more amazed I am at the scholarship of the people of these islands, perched as it then was at the edge of the Western world.  In this course we hope to share something of this ‘learned beauty’.”

“A particular richness of this course for me has been the opportunity to work with art historians and colleagues in the Library. The intersection of art and theology, and insights into the work of the custodians of the manuscript, adds greatly to the course.”

Register for the course here: http://bit.ly/BookofKellsMOOC

About the Book of Kells:

 

The Book of Kells is one of the world’s greatest medieval treasures. It is a lavishly decorated copy of the four gospels written in Latin with supporting texts.

It is set apart from other manuscripts of the same period by the quality of its artwork and the sheer number of illustrations that run throughout the 680 pages of the book. 

It was intended for ceremonial use on special occasions such as Easter rather than for everyday use.

It is not known exactly when the Book of Kells was written but it is thought that it may have been around 800 AD.

It was written and illustrated by hand using all of carefully prepared materials  including  vellum, inks and pigments. It is believed that the Book of Kells was written in a monastery founded by St Colum Cille on Iona in Scotland.

Viking raids were widespread at the time of the creation of the Book of Kells and it became too dangerous for the monks to continue living on the island.  The monks fled from Iona to their newly established monastery in Kells, Co Meath, around 807AD.

It is not known if the book was written wholly in Iona or if part of it was written in Kells, but we know that it remained in Kells throughout the Middle Ages and eventually, it was placed in the Library of Trinity College by Bishop Henry Jones of Meath in 1661.

 

Thank You To Trinity College Dublin:

 

Images and illustrations from the Book of Kells were reproduced with permission from Trinity College.

Many thanks to Fiona Tyrrell, Press Officer for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Trinity College for sharing news of this wonderful course.

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

Introducing Claddagh Design – A Modern Twist On Traditional Irish Jewelry

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The Claddagh ring is a beloved symbol of Ireland and today I’m delighted to introduce you to a very talented silversmith from County Cork who is creating magnificent Claddagh jewelry with a modern Irish twist.  

Plus do read on. Claddagh Design is offering a generous 20% discount for Irish American Mom’s readers, valid until August 31st, 2018.  You’ll find the code at the end of this post.  But first check out these beautiful Claddagh jewelry designs.

Irish jewelry designer and silversmith Eileen Moylan of Claddagh Design has been creating Claddagh Rings for almost twenty years.

From her workshop in the foothills of the Cork and Kerry Mountains, Eileen designs and handcrafts classic and contemporary Claddagh Rings and jewelry for her worldwide customer base.

Eileen began her career as a silversmith in 2000. After graduating with an honors (distinction) degree and Masters in design, she was fortunate to secure an apprenticeship with a prestigious Cork goldsmith.

There she gained experience crafting jewelry and silverware in precious metals. Each day she developed her skills as she worked on a wide range of challenging new pieces from ornate Celtic engagement rings to highly decorative religious chalices and silverware.

As she explored various silversmith techniques, she often found her attention drawn back to the exquisite examples of historical Irish craftsmanship that had been recovered around Ireland. Many of these pieces, including the Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch are held in the National Museum of Ireland.

She drew inspiration from medieval Irish artifacts found in archaeological digs, exposed Ogham stone carvings chiseled by our ancestors and other ornately decorated Irish treasures including the Claddagh Ring.

Throughout her years of study, she developed her own distinctive, contemporary approach to incorporating elements of historical Irish designs from the past into her work.

In 2010, Eileen set out to create a line of jewelry that would honor Irish craftspeople of the past. Her first collection was based on the 17th century Irish Claddagh Ring.

It was fitting that Eileen began with the Claddagh ring since this was one of the first pieces of jewelry she received from her grandmother as a child. Practically every girl in Ireland has owned a Claddagh ring, most often gifted to them by parents or grandparents.

Continuing this tradition of making the Claddagh ring a family heirloom felt like the perfect focus for her new collection.

Following a very successful launch of her Claddagh collection that was recognized with a number of awards, she was inspired to open her own workshop, Claddagh Design.

Her core collection centers around the iconic Irish symbols of the heart for love, hands for friendship and crown for loyalty.

While the Claddagh ring has evolved since the 17th century, Eileen wanted to breath new life into the traditional design, while still honouring the original.

She began by deconstructing and refining the three rich symbols of love, loyalty and friendship to their purest forms.

Two hands presenting a heart and crown reflect a more modern style of Irish jewelry that is worn today.

The contemporary Claddagh jewelry she creates is made by hand, using traditional techniques not too dissimilar to how the first Claddagh ring would have been made.

Her online collection has expanded to include Celtic knot, Torc, Ogham, classic and modern Claddagh rings, pendants, bracelet and cuff links.

All are created with a particular focus on design-lead quality craftsmanship. All can be viewed online in her Claddagh Design Shop.

 

The Meaning of the Claddagh Ring:

 

The Claddagh Ring is one of the most enduring symbols of Ireland and Irish heritage. It consists of three simple elements.

The first is the heart which represents love. Second, the two hands holding the heart, signifying friendship. Thirdly, the crown that sits on the central heart, symbolizing loyalty.

Let Love and Friendship Reign:

 

Claddagh Rings are often worn by people of Irish ancestry, with a connection or affinity to the island of Ireland. Many Irish living abroad will wear them as reminders of where they came from.

Over the centuries, a tradition of passing a Claddagh ring down through the generations of Irish families has developed.

Many visitors to Ireland choose the Claddagh ring as a keepsake of their experiences in Ireland.

Not only is it a symbol synonymous with Ireland, but it also acts as a reminder of friendships made, love experienced, or the warm welcome received, thereby strengthening deep connections to Ireland and it’s people.

 

With these hands I give you my heart and crown it with my loyalty:

 

In recent years, a growing number of couples are choosing to wear a Claddagh engagement ring in place of a diamond band.

Claddagh wedding rings offer the wearer the opportunity to include these three fundamental sentiments required for a long and happy future together – friendship, love and loyalty.

 

How to wear a Claddagh Ring?

 

It is unclear where the ‘rules’ on how to wear a Claddagh ring originated and how they became popularized but this set of guidelines appear to have gathered momentum.II

Here are the four most commonly cited ways to wear a Claddagh ring

  • On your marriage hand, when the crown is worn closest to the knuckle, the wearer is said to be engaged. When the point of the heart is worn closest to the knuckle, the wearer is thought to be married.
  • On the right hand, when the crown is worn closest to the knuckle, the wearer is not in a relationship.
  • When the point of the heart is worn closest to the knuckle, the wearer is in a relationship.

Special Offer:

 

Find our more about Eileen’s work and take a look into the Claddagh Design workshop by visiting her website. 

Considering purchasing from Eileen’s online store, then avail of an exclusive Irish American Mom 20% discount with free worldwide shipping.

Enter code IRISHAMERICANMOM at checkout. (Valid until 31st August, 2018).

Many thanks to Eileen for sharing her artistry with us today and for generously offering this discount to readers of Irish American Mom.

Wishing her every success with her growing business and may she continue to find inspiration for her work from Ireland’s rich heritage and deeply meaningful cultural symbols.

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

 

P.S.  Disclaimer Notice:  I do not have a financial relationship with Claddagh Design.  The links above are not affiliate links. I team up with Irish and Irish American artists to help spread the word about their work, and to help promote ancient skills and crafts to keep our heritage alive and well.  I will always disclose to you if I have an affiliate relationship with a company, artist or craftsman.  Thanks as always for reading my recipes and ramblings.

What Is A Dolmen?

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Dolmens are megalithic monuments found dotted around the Irish landscape.  Standing for millennia, they perch majestically on grassy hillsides,  on craggy cliffs, on winding roadsides, and even right between modern day homes. 

Legananny Dolmen, Mourne Mountains, County Down

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I think of dolmens as symbols of Ireland.  When I was a little girl we would always be on the lookout for dolmens when driving around the Irish countryside.

Now, dolmens are not unique to the Emerald Isle, but are found throughout the British Isles and other parts of Europe and Asia.

Poulnabrone Dolmen, found in The Burren, County Clare

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Ireland is home to over 150 of these ancient portal tombs, and so I think it is fair to consider these historic monuments as symbols of our ancient past.

And so today, I hope you’ll join me as we take a little tour of Ireland’s wondrous dolmens, both great and small.

Dolmen at Carrowmore, County Sligo

Dolmens are single-chamber megalithic tombs.  Vertical stones usually support a massive flat capstone making the structure resemble a table.

When first built dolmens were typically covered with earth or smaller stones to form a tumulus.  Over the centuries these earthen coverings have weathered away, revealing their spectacular stone “skeletons.”

Dolmen at Portnoo, County Donegal

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The term dolmen means stone table.  The word dolmen is derived from two Breton words, with “dual” meaning table, and “maen” meaning stone.

The most amazing thing about some of these dolmens is their massive capstones.

Slidderyford Dolmen, near Newcastle, County Down

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At a time when there was no power assisted hoist or crane, our ancestors figured out how to raise, prop, position and balance these gigantic table tops upon three or four supporting stones.

 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brownshill_Dolmen.JPG
Brownshill Dolmen, Co. Carlow

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Brownshill, the largest dolmen in Ireland and Europe is found in County Carlow.  That massive capstone weighs over 150 tons, which is a staggering 330,693 pounds.

Our Celtic forefathers were no weaklings, that’s for sure

Ballykeel Dolmen, County Armagh

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Whenever I lay eyes on a dolmen I can’t help but ask the inevitable question – how on earth did early Irish men and women, manipulate these gargantuan stones into place? 

And the truth is, nobody truly knows how they did it.

https://www.irishamericanmom.com/2016/10/16/introducing-celtic-valley-ceramics-plus-a-giveaway/
Proleek Dolmen, County Louth

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Legend claims it was early Irish giants who tossed these monuments together using their mythical strength and prowess to mark the landscape with these enduring memorials.

A troupe of mere mortals surrounding these stones could never generate enough manpower to heave and hoist these megaliths into position.

Dolmen at Gaulstown, County Waterford

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And so it’s safe to say, some form of ancient engineering marvel was utilized by our ancestors, to create these rocky shrines.

For me, dolmens are lasting proof of the genius of our forebears, testament to their skill and determination to mark the landscape of their homeland.

Aughnacliff Dolmen, County Longford

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Dolmens date from between 4,000 BC to 2,000 BC and tend to have a large concentration along Ireland’s coastline, especially in the east.

Ancient remains have been found near some of these monuments, and so it is thought they may have been used to commemorate the dead.  Or perhaps they were places for holding ceremonies and celebrations.

Poulnabrone at sunset, County Clare

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Poulnabrone Dolmen in County Clare is the oldest known dolmen in Ireland. When excavated the remains of 22 people from the Neolithic Age were found. Their burial site beneath the monument included personal items like pottery and stone axes.

Altar Wedge Tomb near Schull, County Cork

The dolmen pictured above is found on the Mizen Peninsula in County Cork, a few miles west of the town of Schull. It’s called the Altar Wedge tomb. Perhaps it was used by the druids as an altar, but the Irish used it as an altar far more recently.

At the time of the Penal Laws in Ireland (17th century), when attending Mass was illegal, this dolmen in Cork was used as an altar by a priest-in-hiding, who would gather his flock to covertly say Mass.  Locals would surround the area with lookouts for English soldiers, as the Irish prayed.

Colmen inside the stone fort at Carrowmore, County Sligo

With more than 100 dolmens scattered throughout Ireland, we know for certain our forebears attributed some special significance to building these monuments.

They built these structures to last, and they have stood the tests of time.  Some are over 5000 years old and are found in various states of repair and disrepair throughout Ireland.

Dolment at Carrickglass, County Sligo

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Some are covered in vegetation.

 

Faymore Dolmen, County Donegal

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Some simply stand sentinel by the roadside.

Ballylumford Dolmen, known as “the Druid’s Altar,” in County Antrim

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Some give historical interest to a garden landscape.

https://www.irishamericanmom.com/2016/03/19/county-kilkenny-home-to-irelands-medieval-city/
Kilmogue Portal Tomb, County Kilkenny

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Some lie hidden amongst the trees and bushes.

https://www.irishamericanmom.com/2015/04/29/knocknarea-and-queen-maeve-of-connacht/
Carrowmore, County Sligo

And some, simply take your breath away, perched amidst the spectacular scenery of the Emerald Isle.

And so if you take a trip to Ireland, and love to discover a little bit of history, do visit a dolmen on your travels.

Who knows? The site of one of these dolmens may turn out to be your Irish thin place.

Happy travels.

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

Aran Sweater Giveaway From Standún, Spiddal

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Did you know the Aran sweater, a highly recognizable symbol of Ireland, will feature as an iconic fashion design of the twentieth century in an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York?

Is Fashion Modern? opens on October 1, 2017 and runs through January 28, 2018, at the Museum of Modern Art, West 53rd Street, New York.

To celebrate the inclusion of Ireland’s Aran jumper in this exhibition the good folks at Standún, Spiddal have sponsored a giveaway and are offering an Aran sweater as a prize for one lucky reader to win.  And to really make this giveaway exciting, the winner can choose any Aran sweater from Standún’s wonderful online collection.

But before I share the details of how to enter this giveaway, let’s first learn more about the Aran sweater and the history of Standún, Spiddal.

 

The Exhibition Piece:

 

The Aran jumper to be included in this exhibition is a traditional cream colored, hand-knitted piece dating back to the 1940’s.

Made using handspun, heavy, scoured wool it features many traditional patterns including diamond stitch, and open trellis patterns.  It even showcases a different design on the front and back.

The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Castlebar, County Mayo included this sweater as part of an exhibition in 2008 and now it has crossed the Atlantic to share Ireland’s rich, cultural heritage with New Yorkers.

 

The Popularity of the Aran Jumper or Sweater:

 

Without a shadow of doubt there’s a huge amount of romance and folklore associated with the Aran jumper.

Although the stitches utilized to create these masterpieces are not unique to Ireland, the combinations of stitching patterns, and styling have ensured the Aran has become a testament to Irish culture and heritage.

Aran sweaters have long contributed to the romanticism of Irish rural life and Irish folk art.  Called jumpers rather than sweaters by the Irish, they became particularly popular worldwide from the 1950’s onward.

The Clancy Brothers were an influential Irish folk group in the 1960’s. Touring America in their trademark Aran jumpers they brought a love of Irish traditional music to the United States and rekindled appreciation for our folk music traditions in Ireland.  

When the Clancy Brothers toured the world wearing Aran sweaters, these beautiful examples of Irish cratsmanship began to be exported from Ireland to shops in America, Europe and Japan.

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And who supplied the Clancys with some of their beautiful sweaters?  The Standúns of Spiddal of course. 

 

A Connemara Love Story:

 

In the early 1940’s Máirtín Standún, who was born in Liverpool, England, and May, a music teacher from Mullingar, fell in love.

But theirs was not a typical love story, meeting at a dance or a local gathering. Their first meeting actually occurred in prison, when both were interned for supporting the cause of Irish Independance.

Máirtín Standún was imprisoned in the Curragh and May Mulready, was one of the first women ever interned in Mountjoy Prison.

While serving time, Máirtín met the Irish scholar and writer, Máirtín O’Cadhain from Spiddal in County Galway. In less than 15 months Standún learned how to speak Irish, and when released from prison he carried with him a passionate love for the Irish language and culture.

May and Máirtín were married and moved to Spiddal in 1946, where they founded a department store specializing in the sale of Irish merchandise and, of course, the Aran sweater.

Their move to Spiddal was inspired by May’s love for Irish music and Máirtín’s love for the Irish language.

This love for all things Irish, their devotion to each other and their uncompromising work ethic ensured their store grew and prospered and transformed into a memorable attraction on the Galway tourist trail

Even some members of the iconic Irish American Kennedy family stopped by the shop in Spiddal to buy some Aran sweaters.

 

The Tradition Continues:

 

May Standún was a well known fiddle player in Connemara.  She was very good friends with the Clancy brothers, and helped inspire them to sport those wonderful Aran sweaters when touring the world with their folk band.

Other notable Irish musicians including Tommy Mackem, and Luke Kelly often stopped off in Spiddal to visit May and enjoy a good music session in the Standún shop.

Today, the traditions of supporting Irish culture and heritage continue at Standún, Spiddal.

May and Máirtín’s granddaughters now run the shop in Spiddal and have continued their grandparents’ entrepreneurial spirit by offering an online store. 

It’s lovely to see a family owned business and tradition continue to flourish in today’s mega-business environment. Well done, girls!

 

The Prize:

 

I know that readers of this little blog of mine love Aran sweaters as much as I do. I’m thrilled to work with the girls at Standún again to bring you another little giveaway and a chance to win a beautiful piece of Aran knitwear.

This time, it’s up to the winner to choose the Aran sweater he or she thinks would best suit.  Or perhaps, the winner would like to gift the prize to a loved one.  

Feel free to browse the pages of Standún’s online catalog to pick the sweater or cardigan of your choice.  You may like a ladies’ cardigan, or a man’s sweater, or you may like to see a little one running around sporting an Irish look. The choice is yours.

Stop on over to check out all the possibilities.  Best of luck to all our entrants.

 

The Giveaway:

 

One lucky winner will win an Aran sweater or cardigan of their choosing.

To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday, September 6th, 2017. 

Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you like Aran sweaters or cardigans, or if you prefer Arans in the traditional natural color or in some of the modern shades available.

A winning comment will be chosen randomly.  Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win.  Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 6th 2017, at the bottom of this blog post.

You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.

 

A big thank you to the girls at Standún for sponsoring this prize, and wishing them every success as they continue their grandparents’ legacy, inspired by the cratsmanship and designs of Ireland and Galway.

And thanks to all who join in the fun and support this giveaway celebrating all that the Aran sweater represents. Please feel free to share this post and let friends and family know they could be in with a chance to win a lovely Irish prize.

 

Winner Chosen:

A winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plugin for WordPress.  The proud new owner of a beautiful traditional Irish Aran sweater will be …..

 

Lea Zwart

 

I’ll send Lea an email to let her know the good news.  Many thanks to all who entered this giveaway and checked out all the lovely sweaters from Standún.

 

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

 

P.S.  I do not have a business relationship with Standún. I love to publish posts about Irish and Irish American businesses.  Many thanks to Standún for their generosity in sponsoring this prize, and for giving me permission to publish their lovely photographs.

Bog Cotton

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Trembling in summer breezes, bog cotton brightens the Irish landscape. These fluffy, feathery blooms are found where their name suggests, bang smack in the middle of Ireland’s beautiful bogs. 

Ireland’s bogs and peatlands may not hold precious memories for those who were forced as kids to cut and stack turf, but trust me Ireland’s bogs are unimaginably spectacular.

 

The Bog Enhanced Colors Of The Irish Landscape:

 

At first glance visitors may not appreciate the fact the palate of the Irish landscape is made richer by our bogs.

These peatlands add a wide range of pigments to Irish hillsides from deep, rich purples with brownish hues, to forty shades of brilliant green.

Words fail to describe the brilliance of nature’s Irish greens, from soft sages to the brightest of pea greens.

But bog cotton adds another dimension to this picture, texturing the landscape, just like Donegal tweed, woven with love.

Bog cotton grows in boggy meadows, with white gossamer cotton heads swaying in summer breezes, or drooping under the weight of soft day mists.

Usually appreciated at a distance, a densely blooming meadow can resemble a snowy field, right in the middle of the warmest months.

 

Bog Cotton – A First Cousin Of Real Cotton?

 

Bog Cotton truly does resemble cotton.

Despite the fact it lacks the tensile strength of true cotton our ancestors used this Irish silk to fabricate candle wicks and many an Irish man and woman rested their heads on a pillow stuffed with bog cotton.

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In the 19th century bog cotton was even mixed with wool to make cloth, carpets and roofing felt.

 

Bog Cotton Or Cottongrass?

 

Botanists may prefer to call it cottongrass, not bog cotton, but to me, this beautiful Irish wildflower will always be bog cotton.

Now, I’m not going to share a litany of scientific knowledge and botanical facts about this sedge plant which is native to the Emerald Isle.

What mesmerizes me is the symbolism of this simple plant with single stalks balancing cotton-like flowers, that remind me of a hare’s tail, or an old man’s hair blowing in the wind.

Up close, the beauty of bog cotton can be truly appreciated.

 

Séamus Heaney’s Bog Poems:

 

One Irish man who acknowledged the terrible beauty and symbolism of the Irish bog was poet Séamus Heaney (1939 – 2013).

In 1995 he won the Nobel Prize for literature for his poems “of lyrical beauty and ethical depth” (Nobel Foundation, 1995).

Seamus Heaney described the bog as a “symbol of the Irish psyche.”

His bog poems describe the flow of bog history, from hoarder of precious antiquities and jeweled chalices, to burial grounds of ancient bog men and, in more recent times, victims of Northern Ireland’s terrible struggles.

The depth and symbolism of Heaney’s bog poetry is far beyond the scope of this simple blog post, but let me simply remind you how the vegetation of the bog inspired the poet’s imagination.

These words from his poem “Kinship” remind me of the life giving forces of the bog, and make me think of dormant bog cotton seeds, waiting for the first hint of spring to start the cycle of life again …

“Ruminant around,

digestion of mollusc

and seed-pod,

deep pollen bin.”

~ Séamus Heaney, 1975

Image Credit

Bog Cotton by Michael Longley:

 

Another Northern Irish poet Michael Longley wrote a poem entitled “Bog Cotton.” Here’s an excerpt …

 

“It hangs on by a thread, denser than thistledown, 

Reluctant to fly, a weather vane that traces 

The flow of cloud shadow over monotonous bog –

And useless too, though it might well bring to mind 

The plumpness of pillows, the staunching of wounds,…”

 

~ from “Bog Cotton” by Michael Longley

 

I am no literary scholar, but I like to think Longley is using bog cotton as a symbol of reconciliation, when he describes it as a “stauncher of wounds.”  

Bog Cotton – A Symbol Of Ireland?

 

And so, in conclusion I am going to dare say bog cotton is not merely an iconic plant of the Irish landscape, but it is a plant that is uniquely symbolic of Ireland.

Thanks so much for stopping by to read my ramblings.

 

Slán agus beannacht,

(Goodbye and blessings)

 

Irish American Mom

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