The shawl is an Irish fashion statement of old, worn through the centuries, created out of necessity, and wrapped around shoulders with pride in the face of dire poverty.
The shawl featured prominently in photographs of Irish women from the 19th century. After a little research into this subject I now view the shawl as a garment of great historical significance.
To celebrate the shawl as a symbol of Ireland, I’m also delighted to host a little giveaway for a beautiful green, cashmere pashmina. Thanks to The Pashmina Store for sponsoring this giveaway.
However, before entering our little giveaway to win this elegant prize, why not check out a little history of the Irish shawl.
History of the Shawl
Women today enjoy beautiful pashminas, and luxurious, glamorous shoulder drapes of multi-colored hues. But Irish women of old knew how to wear a shawl.
In days gone by a wool, plainly colored wrap provided practical defense against the elements, in a country infamous for gale force winds and lashing rain.
The word shawl is derived from Sanskrit and some of the first shawls were created in the Kashmir region of India. Historians believe India is the true home of the decorative shawl, where finely spun mantles were created.
But the Irish also embraced the shawl.
The Irish word for shawl is seál and is pronounced just like the English. However a more ancient Irish word for a shawl is “brat” (pronounced braw-th).
In Medieval Ireland a mantle or brat was used as an outer covering. It was a cross between a cloak and a shawl. Made of thick wool with fancy fringing these rectangular or semi-circular coverings protected the wearer from the Irish weather.
Believe it or not Irish brats or mantles became so popular in Europe that in the year 1482 the Pope’s agent got permission to export them (found on the McGinley Clan website).
The Playboy of the Western World:
Pegeen Mike, the love struck leading lady of Synge’s Playboy of the Western World, sported her shawl across the world’s stages in the early years of the 20th century.
She wrapped herself in its warm embrace, as she lamented the loss of her playboy.
I wonder if the actresses who played Pegeen Mike found comfort in their costume shawls, or perhaps they found courage in their shawls to face the world and the controversy surrounding the play when it was first staged.
Shawls On Old Irish Banknotes:
In the 1920’s our new Irish banknotes bore a hauntingly beautiful image of a shawl bedecked lassie.
Cathleen Ni Houlihan leaned on her harp beside a beautiful lake side scene. Draped beguilingly over her tresses, her shawl subtly framed her face.
Her much loved banknote image became widely accepted as the perfect interpretation of traditional Irish womanhood.
The irony of this whole shawl image, is the model for the portrait, Lady Lavery, was not Irish at all. In 1923, Sir John Lavery painted his wife Hazel, as this iconic image of Ireland, even though she was an American.
I wonder if we would have been as proud of our new banknotes, if they had boasted a shawl bedecked image of Pegeen Mike, keening for her lost love, in a torrent of pain and anger.
Perhaps Pegeen Mike would have been a more realistic image of Irish womanhood.
In 1976 a new image of a shawl wearing Irish woman appeared on our currency. This time Medb (Maeve), the legendary Queen of Connacht in Irish mythology took center stage, sporting a warm woolen shawl or brat.
The good Queen Maedb wore her shawl with pride, circulating around Ireland until 1990 when she was replaced by the one pound coin.
Perhaps her image is a better representation of Irish womanhood than the beautiful Lady Lavery. Medb undoubtedly represents a strong Irish woman. I wonder if she wore her shawl to face oncoming armies and lead her men to battle.
The Galway Shawl:
“The Galway Shawl” is an old Irish folk song that tells the story of a rural Irish courtship. Songs like this one reassured Irish girls they were beautiful without adornment. The songwriter praises his Galway girl:
“She wore no jewels, nor costly diamonds,
No paint nor powder, no none at all,
But she wore a bonnet with ribbons on it,
And around her shoulders was the Galway shawl.”
Alack and alas, like many Irish ballads, the song ends sadly. The poor girl’s suitor leaves her high and dry, and heads off towards the beckoning hills of Donegal.
He may have forgotten her charms, but he’ll always remember her Galway shawl.
The Ould Plaid Shawl:
Another old Irish folk song about a shawl wearing Galway girl was written by a Kinvara man called Francis Fahy.
Once again only a simple shawl was necessary to transform this young girl into an angelic beauty.
“Not far from old Kinvara, in the merry month of May,
When birds were singing cheerily, there came across my way,
As if from out the sky above an angel chanced to fall,
A little Irish cailín in an ould plaid shawl.”
If only girls today were happy enough with a simple shawl as a fashion statement, like the Galway girls of days gone by.
The Quiet Man:
The most famous of all shawl donning Irish colleens must be Maureen O’Hara who wrapped herself up in her brown shawl in many scenes of The Quiet Man.
Mary Kate Danaher loved her shawls. She spied on her man Sean Thornton, while clasping her brown wool shawl.
Mary Kate’s shawl is on display in The Quiet Man Cottage Museum, in Cong, County Mayo.
But not only Mary Kate wore a shawl proudly. Fringed or embroidered shawls appeared on many characters throughout the movie, perhaps serving as a tribute to this traditional Irish garment by the director, Ford.
Wrap Up (Pun Intended):
Irish women have worn shawls for centuries. In days gone by an Irish woman gathered her shawl about her to go about her way.
I can safely say that a long line of Irish women who have gone before me wore shawls. Years ago I remember seeing a photo of my great grandmother wrapped in a shawl. I don’t have the photo to share on this post, but if I ever get a copy of it, I’ll be sure to add it here.
And now it’s time for our giveaway ……
The Prize:
The Pashmina Store, one of the largest online suppliers of pure, grade A, handcrafted cashmere at value prices introduced its pinch-proof pashminas for St. Patrick’s Day parades.
They have kindly offered to sponsor the prize of a beautiful green pashmina wrap for one lucky reader of Irish American Mom.
The Pashmina Store is also celebrating the rich spirit and culture of the Irish, along with annual tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, with a 10% off coupon on purchases of $50 or more through March 17, 2015.
Everyone can be as lucky as the Irish and take advantage of this promotion by entering GREEN2015 at checkout.
“Whether it’s kelly, lime or emerald, our pure cashmere pashminas can add just the right pop of green on St. Patrick’s Day at work, at the parade or the pub,” said Blair Rhodes, co-owner of The Pashmina Store.
“With record-cold temperatures, bundling up is even more important this year than ever before. Wearing one of our luxuriously soft and pure cashmere and silk scarves, wraps and stoles is a sure way to look fashionable, stay warm and make others green with envy.”
The Giveaway:
One lucky winner will receive a pure pashmina wrap in green.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17th, 2015. Any comment will do, but if you need inspiration why not tell us about what comes to mind when you think of traditional Irish dress or costumes.
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 or shared, just used to contact our lucky contestant.
Winners will be announced onTuesday March 17th, 2015.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstake entries by clicking here.
Thanks to everyone who supports and enters this little giveaway. Wishing you all a little bit of Irish luck this St. Patrick’s Day.
March 17th, 2015 – We Have A Winner
Congratulations to R. Mullen, who is our lucky winner, and was selected randomly using the “Pick Giveaway Winner” plug-in for WordPress websites.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and enter this little giveaway, and a very happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone.
And a big thank you to The Pashmina Store for sponsoring this wonderful prize. Wishing them every success with their wonderful artwork.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings),
Irish American Mom
Disclosure: Irish American Mom does not have a business relationship with The Pashmina Store. No cash payment was received for publishing this giveaway post. I wish to thank them for graciously sponsoring the prize for this St. Patrick’s Day giveaway.
Pashmina image published with permission of The Pashmina Store.
The Galway Shawl is my favorite Irish folk song. As a child, I remember wearing a shawl to Church. I love that shawls are still in fashion.
I wear a Shawl in the winter months and love mine. When we were younger my Gramma Donovan use to Knit shawls for all of her grand daughters. I still have one of mine and passed it down to my Grand Daughter. Gramma has passed away but the shawl still holds some fond childhood memories. Thank you for all of the history on the “Shawl.” I really enjoyed learning even more about my Irish roots.
Linda – A hand made knitted shawl crafted by your grandmother – what a beautiful family treasure to pass on through the generations of your family. I am really enjoying reading everyone’s comments and their memories of Irish shawls.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Alicia – I hope that shawls will never go out of fashion too.
All the best,
Mairead
My favorite image posted is the first, the one of the older woman with the spinning wheel! Her shawl looks like it was handmade and loved!
Marla – “A picture’s worth a thousand words” and there definitely is a story behind that amazing image. The old woman’s eyes connect with us, and seem to tell of a hard life of work, yet filled with love and kindness. I love that photograph too.
All the best,
Mairéad
Loved the history!
An Irish shawl equals my Ma and the Love she covered us with. God Bless our Ma in Heaven this Saint Patrick,s day and always. We miss you.
Kim – What a beautiful thought. Thanks so much for sharing your loving memories of your Irish Ma. I’m sure she will be smiling down upon you from Heaven this St. Patrick’s Day.
All the best,
Mairéad
What a lovely bit of history! I’ve been researching my family history for quite a while now & always keep my eyes open for some Irish roots. I haven’t found any … yet. 😉 I may be hoping for a shawl to keep me warm while I continue my search but I certainly wish everyone luck in the contest & send my thanks to you for the contest!
Tanya – Thanks so much and I wish you every success as you dig for your Irish roots.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
I love the way a shawl wraps around you and makes you feel secure and is never out of style. I am sure my Irish great grandmother wore one often.
Zelva – I’m pretty sure your Irish great grandmother also loved her shawl.
All the best, and thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
Mairéad
I have started to knit shawls recently – would love this green one!
Naoise – Wishing you happy days of knitting.
Best wishes,
Mairead
I have an old shawl which I love wearing, much to the amusement of my children! Practical and beautiful. With the last name of Duffy and an Irish grandmother named Rose Mulligan, a shawl is a natural accoutrement!
Well said, Patricia. I love the word “accoutrement”. It’s one many Irish women use.
Take care,
Mairead
My Grandmother was born in Ireland I remember her wearing a shawl With her cameo broach and she always coverd her head when we went to Mass miss her so much and all her stories !!!
Winnie – I remember old women in Ireland covering their heads with their shawls for Mass too. Some wore black lace mantilas as a head covering. I’m happy to hear this post kindled lovely memories of your grandmother and her stories.
Take care,
Mairead
Thank you for the quick history lesson! Love the images you used throughout. As a knitter, shawls are the thing to knit right now. I really enjoy your blog. Happy St. Patrick’s Day a week early!
Janine – Thanks so much for reading my ramblings. Happy St. Patrick’s Week to you too.
Happy knitting!
Mairead
These beautiful shawls, Mairead, reminded me of stepping back in time last year, when I went to the only Roman Catholic Church, in Oakland, California, that is permitted to say the beautiful Latin mass on Sundays. I drove 45 minutes to hear a mass that lasted one and a half hours. I never went to that church before and all the women still wear shawls on their heads. I saw girls even 10 years old wearing them. Every man in the church wore a tie and even young boys had ties. Even with many young children you could hear a pin drop. It was very interesting. The men had Latin bibles and all knew the repertory responses. It was very interesting to say the least.
Ray – After participating in this Latin Mass, you must have felt as if you had stepped back in time. What a wonderful experience.
All the best,
Mairéad
I really enjoyed this post. I love learning about Irish traditions. Thank you and I am so happy to have found your blog.
The shawl reminds me of Easter Sunday and my grandmother. New dress. new shoes, new bonnet and of course a new shawl! Most were handmade by grandmother who could sew or knit anything,
My parents were born and raised Irish. As children, we picked up a lot of “Irishness” as we grew.
I’ve been wearing a shawl since 2007. I have no traditional coat, only shawls. I love how they feel and I think there’s a certain sophistication wearing them. Even with jeans. Shawls automatically dress up anything one wears. I will never give them up and I have at least 6 of them!
I love shawls and ruanas. Living by ocean, they are perfect for when the winds blow up a chill! 🙂
This makes me grateful for all the generations who came before us and for there constancy and love for family in the face of much hardship. Now when a wear a shawl or wrap I know that the spirits of my Irish mother and so many before her are with me and I with them. A comforting thought.
Mary – Most definitely a comforting thought and you expressed it beautifully. Thank you.
Mairead
Such an interesting post. Thanks for sharing (and for the contest)!
Wraps are my favorite accessory. My husband and I live on a boat. So, space is limited. There were a lot of things I had to store or give away when we moved aboard but, my wraps were certainly not among them.
Oh, this was very interesting! I like the way shawls wrap around one; much cozier than a coat.
Thanks for the giveaway!
My sister bought a beautiful shawl when she visited Ireland and wore it for years. Now my niece wraps herself in it when she wants comfort and good memories of her Mum.
The Quiet Man was one of my favorite films growing up! Irish dress famously features some of my favorite aspects–texture & layers!!
Dreamin’ a winnin’ won’t make it so but dreamin’ I’ll be doin’ nonetheless. I have me passport and know Ireland’s home but can’t trace Matty Byrnes parents just Dublin. Lost his Da in a New York scaffold fall when he was five. Irish stories never turn the same as American ones. At five, the cold creaped in and haunted. Many kinds of orphans,eh? Been nice to wrap up against the storms. So dreamin’ I’ll be doin’ and singin’ the cares of tomorrow can wait till this day is done and none can stop me! How’s that?
Would love a beautiful Shawl to wrap myself in memories my trip to Ireland last summer. Memories of the most amazing two weeks away from home I have ever experienced!
Terri – “Wrapping yourself in memories of your trip to Ireland” – what a beautiful thought.
Thanks so much for stopping by for a few thoughts on Irish shawls.
Best wishes,
Mairead
This was a fun post to read! Thanks for the history lesson.
Hi Maire’ad!
Wonderful bit of history and lore! I have always loved the look of shawls, but have never worn one. What fun it would be if this were my first one! Thanks for sharing! I love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, so friends have asked me to cater an Irish luncheon! I am going to be checking out your recipes for it!
Hi Sinita – I hope you have a wonderful Irish luncheon with your friends. Happy cooking.
Mairéad
I would think too that a fine woven shawl would have been testament to a woman’s skill w the wheel and loom too….showing her worth to the household.
That’s a great point, Elaine. Finer wool shawls and those with intricate patterns and fringes were probably worn with great pride.
Thanks so much for adding to our little discussion about the Irish Shawl.
Mairéad
I have a beautiful handmade “prayer shawl” that I received when I was going through chemo. It is very special to me.
Ann – I hope your “prayer shawl” gave you comfort and strength on your healing journey. Wishing you health and happiness!
Mairéad
Thanks for your wonderful story and history of the Irish Shawl. So interesting.
I brought home from Ireland a vintage portrait of an old Irish woman at the market
probably turn of the century. She wore her shawl as proudly as she smoked her pipe!
Colleen – Irish women in years gone by were very fond of their pipes. Some would balance their pipe over their ear as they worked. I hope you enjoy your picture of a shawl bedecked Irish lass from yesteryear.
All the best,
Mairead
Thanks for the article Mairead. Just reading it here on a rainy gusty Irish March morning. You’d need a shawl to go out to the gate 🙂
Lorna – Sounds like the Mad March Winds are howling in Ireland today. 🙂
Take care,
Mairéad
These are lovely, one in green (my favorite colour) would be grand!
Thank you for a chance in this give away.
I remember my Grandmother’s and a Great Grandmother wearing the shawls. Hardly ever saw them without them. As a child I remember my Mum making me a green one with fringe on it. I wore it to school ever so proud…
Helen – Isn’t it amazing how in our memories we can only picture some of our relatives wearing a particular item of clothing. As a child i often wondered how older Irish women could tuck their shawls into the waist bands of their skirts and just keep working away, without losing their shawls.
Take care,
Mairead
I enjoyed reading this and honestly never thought too much about them or had any idea of the history. Both my parents are from Ireland and i have old pictures of my grandmother and others from the same era wearing shawls.
Maureen – I’m hoping one of my cousins may still have a copy of the photograph of my great grandmother wearing her shawl. I’m sure you treasure your old family photos.
All the best,
Mairéad
I’m ashamed to say that I never knew about the history of the shawl! I have always noticed, but never realized the significance historically. Thanks so much for the lesson!
Deborah – I am so glad you enjoyed this little ramble of mine about the Irish shawl.
All the best,
Mairead
Lovely green!
I have always been fascinated by shawls! My great grandmother wore hers as she traveled in the belly of the boat (1919) to keep her warm. Her daughter always kept one handy to ward off the evening chill since the nights were a bit cool in a Eastern Ohio where they settled.
I, too, enjoy wearing a shawl now and then, even living in Florida.
Such a rich heritage we have in them!
Thank you for sharing your information. I enjoyed reading it.
Sarah – A shawl is perfect for keeping warm on chill Ohio evenings. Thanks for letting us know about how your great grandmother traveled to America with her shawl in hand for warmth and comfort.
All the best,
Mairéad
I adore shawls. My daughter wears shawls frequently and she is very young.
I too, would love a green shawl ! : )
Dianna – I love the green shade of this clover pashmina.
Thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
Mairéad
My grandmother came to America around 1926 and had to work for a wealthy family to earn back her passage. After doing so, she brought over my father and my aunt. I can remember even today, my grandmother wearing her shawl and being so surprised that my friends grandmothers didn’t. How silly the eyes of a child.
Susan – I love your family story about how you had the only shawl wearing grandmother amongst your friends. Your comment lends support to my theory that the shawl should be an iconic Irish cultural symbol.
All the best,
Mairead
Shawls and aprons – I love the way women took these two common, utilitarian items and made them beautiful.
Beth – Thanks for reminding me of aprons. I don’t remember too many frilly, pretty aprons in my granny’s kitchen. She wore a big, utilitarian black apron that served great purposes. It kept her clothes clean, and she could stuff bits and bobs into a big pocket.
All the best,
Mairead
I especially love that first photo! I spin as well and it is not an image you see commonly anymore.
Hi Holly – Spinning is such a wonderful skill to master. Well done! That image of the old Irish woman spinning seems to speak to us. I’m so happy you’re keeping a skill from days long gone alive.
All the best,
Mairead
I love to wear shawls! I live in Florida and with the weather here they are perfect to wear to church on Sundays!
Hope to win!
Angela – shawls are definitely perfect for Sunday wear. Or even in Florida to keep in your car so if you go to a restaurant where the air conditioning is freezing, you can always wrap your shawl around you to stay warm.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Love shawls, and the history you provided! Like the Angela from Florida I live in a warmer climate and love the versatility. I used to prefer wear a navy ‘poncho’ (So California Spanish influence) with my school uniform rather than a sweater (Catholic schools all the way)….
I would love to have any that reminds me of Ireland and it’s people
I have been trying to learn the art of wearing scarves and shawls. I am a newbie, but I think they make a woman look so elegant and refined. So fun to know the Irish history of the shawl. Thanks for sharing!
My Grandma Sullivan wore a shawl. When I was very young we would cuddle and drink green tea by her wood stove. That was a very treasured time with her. Although she is not of this earth any longer. She is deep in my heart. I will never forget the feel and warmth of her shawl. God Bless the Irish.
Diane – There’s nothing like a granny cuddle and a cuppa. What a lovely memory.
All the best,
Mairéad
So interesting. Lovely wraps, love,love the color of your giveaway! Your blog is one of my favorites, so happy when I see you in my inbox.
Thank you!
Mary Ann
Mairead, I always love it when you say “Alack and alas” 🙂 What a neat giveaway!
I remember when I was a child that we had a shawl that had belonged to one of my Irish Grannies,I used to use it to play dress up. When I grew up my sisters took it over and I have no idea what ever happened to it and they can not remember either. Oh how I wish I had it now.
Margie – It would be wonderful if you could find that shawl and family heirloom someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
I have a bit of history to add to your shawl post. On Easter Monday 1916 in Dublin the General Post Office was taken over by Irish rebels in an attempt to proclaim Ireland a Republic and separate from the British crown. At first, not much happened but there was a terrible outcry by some women in the town and they tried to storm the post office. You see, these were mothers and wives of men who had enlisted in WWI and they were waiting for checks sent home from their loved ones. The women were furious with the rebels, sure they were trying to stop them from getting their money. These women wore black shawls and were known as “Shawlies”. From Brighid @ Celticthoughts.com
Brighid – Thanks so much for adding this wonderful information about shawl wearing Irish women. I have heard the term “shawlies” before, mainly in Cork. It’s not used much anymore since few women wear shawls these days. Years ago a “shawlie” was a working class woman who wore a shawl. Probably not a very complimentary term, just like when the rebels used it.
Thanks again, and have a wonderful weekend.
Mairéad
I would love to win one of your beautiful creations!