Ogham

The Ogham alphabet has been used in Ireland for over 1500 years. It survives today on over 300 stone monuments around the country. The ancient Celts used Ogham to commemorate their leaders and mark important lands. Today we use Ogham as a way to honour our Irish heritage.

History Of Ogham

Used in Ireland from at least the 4th century to 9th century AD, the Ogham alphabet of 20 letters can be found on over 300 stone monuments around the country. These stones in fields and on hilltops give glimpses of Ireland’s ancient past. Most are border markers or monuments engraved with the evocative names and genealogies of their commissioners. Interesting examples include ”Belonging to the Three Sons of the Bald One,” or “He Who Was Born Of The Raven.”

How It Is Read?

Known by some as the “Celtic Tree Alphabet”, each of its 20 characters is made out of a vertical reference line, or stem, crossed by one or more slashes, or twigs, which make up the sounds of the Irish language. It is read vertically from bottom to top, “up the tree.” And each letter is actually associated with a tree, often one that starts with the sound the letter represents. The “B” sound, for example is called “Beithe,” or birch tree.

How Did It Originate?

Old myths say it was conjured up by the Celtic god of eloquence, Ogmios. More scholarly speculation suggests it was invented as a secret language, indecipherable to neighboring British tribes who used the Latin alphabet. Still others think it was created by early Christian communities who found it difficult to translate Gaelic sounds into Latin letters.

Ogham Today

We may never know its true origins, but Ogham still intrigues to this day. It is a unique and mystical script embedded in the Irish landscape. All we can do is speculate and keep this tradition by reading and using this wonderful language. We do so by using Ogham in our lovely jewelry and of course in our logo, “Home.”