Hi Leslie, It's great to read that young people are keeping the tradition o the Harp alive and well. You've written beautifully and we appreciate you taking the time to not only read but share with us. Thank you! All the best, Liz.
The Irish Harp: An Ancient Instrument and an Iconic Symbol
Written by Ciaran on Aug 15, 2022 | 4 Comments
You would be forgiven for thinking the shamrock was the official symbol of Ireland. But in fact, it is the elegant Irish Harp that holds this honor.
A Symbol of Ireland
The Harp has pride of place on the Irish passport, on Irish coins, and is the symbol of the Irish president.
This Harp has a long association with Irish life going back as far as the 1500's and even earlier in Gaelic society. The Harp and the skilled musicians that played them were the pinnacle of early Gaelic society, second only in status to the File, or poet. But the Harp is only our national symbol in this "left facing" form. A right facing harp is the official symbol of another important Irish institution... Guinness!
On registering the national trademark, the state was advised it would only be able to obtain rights to the left facing Harp as Guinness had been trading under it's mark since 1862!
A Royal Harp
But both the Irish national mark and the symbol for Guinness take their inspiration from the Brian Boru Harp. Brian Boru, The last High King of Ireland was a patron of the Arts and reportedly a fine harper himself! So it is hardly surprising that the grandest of the surviving Medieval Harps in Ireland is named for him.
It is a beautiful example of an early Irish, wire-strung cláirseach or Harp. Dated to the 14th or 15th century it was carefullly crafted long after the death of Brian Boru. But along with the Queen Mary Harp and the Lamont Harp, it is one of the three oldest surviving Gaelic harps, and a national treasure.
Inspired Design
And we are proud to continue this grand and ancient tradition of craft with our own beautiful Irish Harps in precious silver and gold. And you can share in the history of the Irish Harp with your own piece of Irish heritage and culture. With beauty transcending 1000’s of years, our Irish Harp necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and charms can be worn proudly and are yours to treasure for years to come.
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Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
One of the MANY things I love about Ireland is the wealth of symbolism. Your articles make my day.
Heather - Longing for Ireland
It's our absolute pleasure, thank you, Heather! Thank you for your kind words. They're much appreciated. Cheers, Liz
Ask Gemma
True. Not only that, but they produce some very beautiful music as well, in the hands of a skilled harpist. A friend of mine whom I went to school with years ago has a lovely young daughter who plays the harp very well. Y'all have a great day, and God bless you.