Rebuilding Lives in Northern Ireland
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Apr 30th, 2013
To the Celts, the wolf symbolized unity and loyalty. Irish history tells us of wolves protecting children, guarding wounded men and guiding the lost to safety. A wolf talisman is worn to protect one from harm.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Apr 29th, 2013
Ogham, the alphabet of the ancient Celts, is thought to be derived from the tree branches.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Apr 22nd, 2013
The oak tree is the noblest tree in Celtic lore.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Apr 21st, 2013
Reply to Rabie on comment Dec 2012 blog comment. Thanks for your comment. I was not aware of a ‘universal language’ and can see where it would come in handy. However, language is the key to national identity. Irish is one of the surviving dialects of the ancient Celtic tongue and dates back to about […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Mar 22nd, 2013
Only a few of the chieftains of old families are allowed to use the prefix, “The” before their family name. A chief is addressed by his surname, (O’Brien, O’Donnell, etc.). This is not considered as being too familiar but if one writes to a chief, then it is proper to use the term “The” with […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Mar 11th, 2013
In the early 18th Century, a cross of ribbons was worn on St Patrick’s Day.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Mar 7th, 2013
It is customary in Ireland to wear a sprig of shamrocks in your lapel. These shamrocks have no flowers. A shamrock discarded on St Patrick’s Day can then be planted until it blooms. There is no agreement among the Irish about only one genuine shamrock. It can be any of four species of clover.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Mar 5th, 2013
Legend tells us that St Patrick used the shamrock to convert King Aengus. He was the first king to be converted to Christianity. This took place at the Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary. At the moment of baptism, the devil became angry and tried to escape Ireland but was slowed down by the Sleive Bloom […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Feb 26th, 2013
Music is an intrinsic part of the fabric of Irish society. It is an essential component of any celebration.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Feb 25th, 2013
The ‘gonconker’ is also called the’love talker’. He is a solitary fairy, who is the embodiment of love and idleness. He always smokes a pipe, has no shadow, and the birds always stop singing at his approach. He seduces young mortal maidens with his twinkling black eyes and enchanting voice. If they kiss him, they […]
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