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We’d like to wish all of our listeners and readers a very happy, prosperous and love-filled 2012! The Wheel has turned again and those New Year’s Resolutions, those promises to do something advantageous, are probably beginning to take effect by now! Some for the better and some for the worse Did I really promise I’d do that? How much weight have I got to lose!!!?? So we try to avoid resolutions on New Year’s Eve or Day – they generally get broken anyway and that’s no good for how you feel when facing a challenge.

The Tradition of Resolves

It’s a funny tradition really – I mean, why choose this day to make life-changing choices on? I can’t think of any mythological link to the tradition that might point to a Celtic link for Resolutions – they generally seem to have addressed each problem when the problem arose. There are many traditions associated with the New Year, such as first-footing and the particularly Scottish Hogmanay but these are more in keeping with purification and blessings. Saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new. According to a survey carried out earlier in the year, the five most popular resolutions are going to be:

1. Be financially-savvy
2. Read at least one book a month
3. Eat properly
4. Get enough sleep
5. Keep a journal of awesome moments

[Source: Wiki]

I think the only one of those that I manage regularly is the sleeping!

What are our plans for 2012?

So what are we planning for the next year and a day? Well, as you know, our shows has been somewhat erratic over the last two years owing to my health problems, but as I continue to build up strength we are planning to become more regular and reliable with our shows. It still continues to surprise me how weak I actually am – apparently it can take up to 18 months for your cells to recover from having a chemo-beating! How can you be tired at a cellular level? Very strange

Anyway, it is a continual joy to us both as my strength increases to be able to do more and more! We can go out and do things together, which leads me on to talk about one of the things we are hoping to be able to do for you this year. In our search to understand how modern Celts live and how they link to the old stories and the mythology, we hope to be able to talk to some influential people in the field and bring you those interviews.

We’re trying to divide the jobs amongst ourselves now to make sure they all get done. I’m writing the scripts fort the new Welsh shows (and the first two are already under my belt! Yay!), Ruthie is working hard on the Holiday Specials and we’ve got Carina trying to fill in all the gaps!

As well as that, we’ve got two Special shows planned all about the Spirit of Albion movie that’s coming out at Beltane. We’ll be talking to the actors and some of the people behind the scenes and trying to give you some feeling of the amazing experience this movie is going to be. To have been involved in the filming was an enlightening experience for us, but more than that there were so many of those ‘magical’ moments in the filming, that the feeling is certain to come across in the final film! We are also hoping to talk to the Director, Gary Andrews, and the Songster, Damh the Bard, about the sources, the inspiration that set the film going in the first place. That should be fun

The highly skilled production team have released a wonderful new trailer for the film for the New Year, and if you haven’t seen that already, make sure you check back tomorrow, because we’ll be sure to bring you that as well.

We’ve also got a nice backlog of wonderful music, stories and non-fiction books to bring you some superb pieces from! I’m working on some more artwork for the App, along with some new Appisodes only available to App owners to keep you guys happy as well So much good stuff – you won’t be able to believe it! At least, that’s our hope and we keep pinching ourselves to make sure It’s going to be a wonderful 2012 for us all!

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

This is the seventh in the series of Albion Diaries filmed courtesy of MEV Productions, and is taken from ‘The Spirit of Albion’ filming from The Dijo Café in Horley and a Solicitors Office in Crawley. Keep your eyes sharply peeled during these clips and you might see some very familiar faces.

Esther, Annie and George are 3 people whose lives have reached a crisis point. On the night of 31st October, all three find themselves drawn to a clearing in the woods. Secrets are revealed and nothing will ever be the same again as an ancient power emerges from the shadows…

As you know this movie was inspired by the works of Damh the Bard and the Director, Gary Andrews, has put the whole story together into something new and astounding, something with a powerful message for today’s youth and we are so excited to see the film’s launch sometime around the end of 2011.

The Albion Diaries tell the Behind the Scenes story of the production of the Spirit of Albion movie. Marq English of MEV Productions is producing these video diaries of the film’s production, so you can get some idea of what’s coming and how it has all been put together.

Video Diary Filmed and Edited by Marq English.

Written and Directed by Gary Andrews.

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Celtic-Myth-Podshow/dp/B004W8QR58 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Wow! Druid, Shaman, Priest, Warrior-cult, Ancient Celt…?

The essence of man and nature for sure. This is a music video! I’ll see if I can find out more about these guys because the drumming and evocative musical environment is so powerful!

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

The Sixth Production Diary from The Wealdon and Downland Open Air Museum, Cuckmere Haven near Eastbourne and The Long Man of Wilmington featuring Damh the Bard. Here we can see separate scenes of the Gods as well as Damh appearing “as a man, alone on a hill…” and also giving a quick performance below the magical Long Man of Wilmington. Bit by bit we learn more about the film

Esther, Annie and George are 3 people whose lives have reached a crisis point. On the night of 31st October, all three find themselves drawn to a clearing in the woods. Secrets are revealed and nothing will ever be the same again as an ancient power emerges from the shadows…

As you know this movie was inspired by the works of Damh the Bard and the Director, Gary Andrews, has put the whole story together into something new and astounding, something with a powerful message for today’s youth and we are so excited to see the film’s launch sometime around the end of 2011.

The Albion Diaries tell the Behind the Scenes story of the production of the Spirit of Albion movie. Marq English of MEV Productions is producing these video diaries of the film’s production, so you can get some idea of what’s coming and how it has all been put together.

Video Diary Filmed and Edited by Marq English.

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Pipefest Pic: Click to see App

Pipefest 1 is the World’s first bagpipe sheet music app! With sheet music for one hundred pipe tunes in a searchable index all in one place – the app is a great resource for pipers. Features: A collection of one hundred traditional and popular pipe tunes. All tunes embedded within app – no further downloading. Tunes indexed within time signature categories. Search function to help quickly find tunes..

Benefits:

An app relevant to pipers
Convenient way to store and index tunes
Provides useful reference resource for pipers
Easy to use when out and about
Available via iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pipefest-1

App Store: Pipefest 1

For information on piping and drumming apps please contact:
Magnus Orr – magnus@pipefest.com

Momedia – events & media production Scotland

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Wheat Coates Tin Mine Pic: NapaneeGal	The Cornish Guardian in This is Cornwall reports in August 2011: Cornish rugby shirts selling like hot cakes, plenty of Spingo to wash down the pasties, cream teas and some good old sea shanties to keep the atmosphere merry proved a hit with our continental counterparts. People from Cornwall have been visiting the Festivale Interceltique in Lorient, Brittany, for many years, but a delegation has just returned by Brittany Ferries which has taken the message both to the French themselves, and people from Celtic nations all over the world who had travelled to France, that it was time they paid a visit to Cornwall. The festival this year attracted 650,000 people to hear the music, taste the food and drink, and to join in a get-together of Celtic people from all over the world, from Guadeloupe to Chile, Mexico to Vietnam, as well as the nations closer to home such as the Bretons, Irish, Scots and Welsh.

With the 41st festival celebrating the Celtic diaspora, it was a festival which explored where people of Celtic origin had travelled and taken their culture. It brought up an amazing mix, from Jack Kerouac to Le Bagad Karukera pipe band, complete with colourful girl dancers from Guadeloupe.

A huge crowd of 80,000 packed the route through Lorient of the grand parade which included 78 mainly pipe bands and lasted for three hours, 40 minutes. It is a unique experience, with Breton villages especially involving all the family, from grandparents to babes in arms as they dance to their pipe bands.

Neil Plummer and Beatrice Kerno, who have played a major part in the organisation of the Cornwall representation at the festival for many years, were in the parade, along with Cornwall Council Cabinet member for Customer First and Culture Joan Symons and the Bolingey Troyl Band from Perranporth.

Progressive folk-rock band Pentorr, from East Cornwall, played a packed gig, while the Bolingey Troyl Band appeared at one of the big venues, Espace Marine, and also entertained outside the Cornwall stand.

Another Perranporth outfit, Stamp and Go, brought a real smile to the crowds after rain poured down after the grand parade. Just as the parade ended the heavens opened, but Stamp and Go got into strong voice with shanties and traditional Cornish songs which drew crowds to both the Cornwall stand and the Blue Anchor bar, over from Helston, to sell litre after litre of four strengths of their Spingo, brewed in Cornwall and shipped over by Brittany Ferries.

Simon and Kim Stone had brought over plenty of bar staff to deal with the queues for not only Spingo, but Cornish pasties and cream teas.

The French had a bit of a problem with cream teas, with one couple eating the scones without touching the jam or cream, saying:

“I see, you put the cream in the tea.”

There were plenty of other Cornish there – John Nelligan with his historic boat the Grace, from Penzance, Hilary Hughes, from Saltash, with her copper, seawater and salt works on canvas, and Melanie Guy, from Stoke Climsland, with her work in metals.

This is Cornwall

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

The Wild ManPic: Wild Man on Facebook

The National Forest Wood Fairis taking place at Beacon Hill Country Park in Leicestershire this Bank Holiday Monday 2011 from 10 am till 4 pm. The Wood Fair promotes sustainable forestry and woodland leisure, showcases wood crafts and products and celebrates all aspects of wood, with fun activities and local food.Situated in Charnwood Forest in north-west Leicestershire, Beacon Hill Country Park  has over 135 hectares (335 acres) of mixed woodland, grassland, wildflower meadows and adjoining farmland.  This popular countryside area is owned and managed by Leicestershire County Council for peaceful recreation whilst conserving the site’s considerable historic and wildlife value.Visitors can explore an extensive network of paths, enjoy picnics and barbeques, and discover the many features of interest.

Something for all the family

• Don’t miss the live demonstrations of woodworking skills, craft displays and chainsaw sculpting.
• There’s plenty for children – stories from the Wild Man of the Woods, birds of prey, craft activities, coracle paddling and the brilliant climbing wall.
• Find out more about woodlands – from tree planting to felling. Talk to the experts and watch forestry in action including timber processing and horse logging.
• Take a break in the Food Area where you’ll find a great selection of delicious locally produced food.
• And that’s not all! There will also be an exciting lumberjack show, Bodger’s Corner and charity auction.

The Wild Man of the Woods

He has many other skills and characters which you can explore on Birch Tree – I hope to meet Barry oner day!

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

The Stone of Uisneach (‘Catstone’) Pic: Festival of Fires

One of Ireland’s greatest living historians, Ruth Illingworth, is to give a guided walk and tour of the Hill of Uisneach, formerly regarded as the centre of Ireland, at 2pm this Saturday August 27th 2011. This is a rare chance to hear the real stories of Uisneach whilst walking Uisneach. Meet at the lay-by at 2pm.

In Irish mythology, it was considered to be the omphalos or mystical navel of Ireland, upon which rested a great stone (Ail na Míreann, which means “stone of divisions”) which was said to indicate the meeting point of the provincial borders of Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Ulster, and Mide (which was once a separate, fifth province). Tradition tells that the Hill of Uisneach was a site favoured for Beltane fires and Druidical ceremonies, and as a ceremonial site it was regarded as second only to Emain Macha. In the poetic history Lebor Gabála Érenn (Book of the Takings of Ireland), the Nemedian Druid Mide lit the first fire there. A fire was also lit on the Hill of Uisneach on the feast of Bealtaine. This fire could be seen from Tara, and when they saw it, they lit their fire. [Wiki]

We covered this story, which is usually known as “The Settling of the Manor of Tara” in Episode 18: The Judgement of Fintan. Fintan is called upon to decide how the land is to be divided and he gives his final decision or judgement by the Stone on the Hill of Uisneach at the Centre of Erin. This is the stone picture above – I would love to hear Ruth Illingworth tell the tale and what the Historians have discovered in the area!

The Festival of Fires and Uisneach

My impression is that the Festival of Fires organisation, recently formed and doing such worthy work in trying to restore the importance of Tara, Bealtaine and Fire in Erin, have arranged for this guided tour. They are certainly publicising it – if I’m wrong, I apologise and will happily credit the organiser(s). If you’re able to attend the tour, they have the following information and guidance:
It has been a very busy summer on the Hill of Uisneach and David and Angela Clarke and their family are to be commended on their courtesy and kindness to all visitors who check in with them before walking the hill. Uisneach is still very much a working farm so please follow the instructions on the signs at the parking lay-by if you intend walking it.

Hundreds of tourists from all over the world have visited the hill this summer and among those was the American musical group The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. In Ireland to play with Prince, they took time off their busy schedule to visit the centre of the country and learn some its history before they continued their world tour with Prince, playing to hundreds of thousands across the globe. The band are back in the country in the Autumn with Damon Albarn and they are always welcome back to Uisneach.

If you have never visited Uisneach with an expert then this Saturday is a must.

Ruth Illingworth was a key member of the team at Festival of the Fires, giving tours and talks throughout the three festivals to date, and in historic circles in Ireland she is among the highest rated and most passionate historians. A widely published author and expert on all things in the midlands, Ruth is also a Mullingar Town Councillor. She has served as mayor of Mullingar on two occasions and were it not for Ruth’s voice being on the Council, much of Westmeath’s history would have been lost forever.

What is the Festival of Fires?

Festival of the Fires is a rekindling of Ireland’s oldest recorded festival, Bealtaine. The dawn of May will see Ireland illuminated as the festival returns to the Hill of Uisneach and selected sites nationwide.A cultural celebration on a national scale, the Festival’s epicentre is the Hill of Uisneach in Co. Westmeath. Started in May 2010, 73 other sites & communities joined in the main Uisneach celebration, with 14 international fires also lit in solidarity. In 2011 the festival is to grow, with a full weekend of celebrations planned…

The Fire Festiaval Pic: Festival of Fires

The dawn of May will see Ireland illuminated as Festival of the Fires returns with very special musical guests The Saw Doctors. From its Hill of Uisneach Epicentre, the festival will spread to communities across the country with over 100 hills all across Ireland uniting to welcome in the summer.

Celebration in 2010

The main festival takes place on the Hill of Uisneach, with a unique festival village featuring three musical stages, food & beverage villages, art installations, heritage trails, guest lectures, comedy, spoken word, debate, hundreds of horsemen and women, arts and crafts, and of course a spectacular night-time Fire Parade led by the multi-award-winning Luxe group from Donegal.

Musical guests will include the aforementioned Saw Doctors, playing their ONLY Midlands show of the year, and they will be joined by a diverse and exciting line-up which will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale now from all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.ie priced €35. Camping tickets are also on sale price €40. Tickets are also on sale at selected venues throughout the midlands and major cities (see festivalofthefires.com)

Arts, Culture and Heritage – Reignite your passion with Festival of the Fires!

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Irish Claddagh Unity Candle Pic: Brides’ Village

Guest blogger Brian Cross gives us some useful tips on creating our own Irish or Celtic Wedding: Feeling connected to your culture? Nothing compares to the celebration of heritage that can be found at a traditional Irish wedding. An authentic Irish wedding ceremony blends beautiful symbolism and art into a romantic tapestry inspired by centuries of history and tradition. Learning the stories behind these traditions, where they began, and what they mean to us today, is part of what makes Irish traditional weddings so personal and so special. Where did the Claddagh ring come from? Why do Celtic knots look that way?

What is the significance of the shamrock? We’ve compiled a bit of background as well as some key tips and ideas for adding these and other elements to an Irish Celtic wedding design of your very own!

Is Your Traditional Irish Wedding “Irish” Enough?

• Most modern weddings already draw from Irish and Celtic tradition, so don’t worry that your own wedding isn’t Irish enough. Instead, use your ceremony as an opportunity to educate your guests!

Looking forward to the bouquet toss or relaxing on your honeymoon? You can thank the Irish and the Celts for both! Most brides don’t realize it, but many of the most popular features of the modern wedding are direct descendents of Irish and Celtic culture.

By working a little history of some popular traditions into your ceremony, you can easily give your guests a Celtic experience that is as fun and romantic as it is informative. The back of your wedding programs, for instance, is a great place to explain the origins of your favorite traditions or the meaning of the symbols your guests may encounter at your celebration. There are literally hundreds of stories, and researching them can be some of the most fun you’ll have planning your wedding.

Use Celtic Knots for Your Wedding Rings and in Your Theme

• Celtic knots are a universal symbol for eternity that have come to define Celtic culture and the look of Irish weddings.

Celtic knots are one of the most ancient styles of art still practiced today. Incredibly intricate and mathematically precise, these designs have been perfected over the centuries and can be used as the main visual element of your Celtic wedding design.

But what do they mean? A great deal of debate surrounds the exact significance of these braids and what they meant to early Celtic artists. No complete record explaining the “language” of Celtic knots has ever been found, but research suggests the Celts were first inspired by the elaborate root systems of oak trees. The Celts believed trees were natural symbols of eternity, and there is strong evidence that the endlessly repeating patterns in Celtic knots were intended in part to represent the infinite cycles of the natural world.

In spite of the mysteries surrounding Celtic knots, few will dispute their stunning beauty and their ability to capture the imagination. The connection between the endless weaves of these knots and the unbreakable bonds of love is immediately recognizable, and Celtic knots are rightfully one of the most versatile decorative symbols of an Irish wedding.

Experience the Love, Loyalty, and Friendship of the Claddagh Ring

• The Claddagh ring is ancient symbol that represents the three qualities of any successful marriage.

You may have seen them on the fingers of young brides or in movies and television — the Claddagh ring is a centuries old design that has recently made a comeback among women and even some men as a symbol of Irish pride and heritage. Named after a small fishing village in Ireland, the Claddagh ring features a circle that ends in two hands clasping a heart topped with a padded crown.

Each of the three parts of the Claddagh ring has a specific meaning that has made it a favorite addition to the modern Irish wedding ceremony. The hands represent friendship, the heart of course represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The traditional expression associated with the Claddagh ring explains it simply, “With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty.” The combination of these elements is also considered by many to be a metaphor for the Catholic Trinity, while the circular nature of the ring itself, like the Celtic knot, is also said to be an expression of infinity.

• Claddagh designs can be used for more than just wedding rings and look beautiful on a variety of wedding accessories.

While Claddagh wedding rings are becoming increasingly common, they can be worn by unmarried women and are a popular standalone fashion. Claddagh rings can also be used in other parts of your wedding and often make appearances on unity candles, embroidered onto ring pillows (a particularly nice use for the design), and even wedding cake toppers.

• The myths surrounding the origins of the Claddagh ring are full of adventure, magic, epic romance, and make for great stories to tell at your wedding.

The exact origins of the Claddagh ring are shrouded in legend; though elements from the design such as the clasped hands have been traced clear back to the Roman Empire. The look of the Claddagh ring as it is known today dates to the 1600s, but Irish folklore has at times credited a fisherman, a prince, and even a magical eagle as the original artist.

Our favorite story of the ring’s origin is also the most romantic and is likely partially true. A fisherman named Richard Joyce was attacked and captured by Algerian pirates near the West Indies and sold into slavery in Tangiers. A slave to a goldsmith for over 14 years, Joyce is said to have designed the ring as a promise that he would one day return to the love he left behind in Ireland. Joyce was eventually freed; he went back to Ireland with his ring, married his sweetheart, and became a successful goldsmith in his own right.

Use Shamrock Accents for an Immediate Irish Flourish

• Shamrocks don’t just “look” Irish, they are also connected to Celtic knots and Claddagh rings in meaning.

Shamrocks are by far the most widely recognized emblems of all things Irish and are, of course, an indelible part of St. Patrick’s Day. No Irish wedding ceremony would be complete without a nod to them, but the deeper significance of the shamrock and its relationship to other Irish symbols is perfect for tying your wedding theme together.

Just as with the three parts of the Claddagh ring, the three leaves of the shamrock is also an important symbol of the Holy Trinity. According to legend, St. Patrick himself used the shamrock in his travels to explain the concept the Trinity to converts across Ireland. Even more, the trefoil shape of the shamrock is also found over and over again in many Celtic knots.

The accuracy of the St. Patrick story is debatable, but don’t expect the shamrock to disappear from Irish culture anytime soon. They are the ultimate natural symbol of what it means to be Irish and are a simple blend of all the stories, faith, and timelessness of Irish heritage.

• Use shamrocks as a natural complement to the other symbols of your wedding.

The decorative potential of shamrocks is essentially endless and you can feature them anywhere from your wedding gown to your table confetti. We especially like seeing them used in centerpieces and bridal bouquets, but what’s best to keep in mind is that Celtic knots, Claddagh rings, and shamrocks can all be used interchangeably and their special meanings complement one another. Find a balance that feels right for you, and your Irish wedding will be as authentic as you want it to be.

Irish Traditional Weddings Are a Way to Tell Your Story

The best part of Irish traditional weddings is there’s always more to explore, learn, and discover! Irish and Celtic culture is a deep well that can be drawn from again and again when planning your wedding, and now you have all the basics you need to get started. So, go ahead and lose yourself in the stories and the artwork for awhile — you’ll find that the true magic of Ireland is in its stories and ultimately in your heart!

About the Author:
Brian Cross has been an active freelance writer and researcher since 2007. He also regularly writes articles, tips, and content for BridesVillage.com, an independent retailer of wedding accessories.

Author: Brian Cross
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Home care

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Iglu Celtic Travel Awards Pic: Iglu Cruise

We are very proud to have received one of the prestigious Iglu Celtic Travel Awards. These awards are given to blogs that promote Celtic Travel and Tourism in a way that makes the reader stop and think. They appreciate the Celtic Lands for their Spirituality, Folklore or Customs or their Poetry, Prose or Faith. What a wonderful choice of blogs. Thank you very much Iglu for your Award. Following is what they say about the award and the other Award Winners which are most definitely well worth visiting – each offering a unique jewel in its own way.

” The Iglu Awards for this section has proven to be one of growth and appreciation. Sometimes the expansion of the self is through embracing art and prose that makes you stop and think. All these winning blogs did this in one way or another.

“Celtic travel isn’t something most people are familiar with. It’s popular in parts of the USA, but most people involved with the Celtic tourism industry are the people in Ireland, Wales and Scotland who cater for them in the Summer months. Thankfully, the Iglu team included some of these people and we were able to select the Celtic blogs which really spoke about the culture.

“It took us ages to find the right blogs for this category. We’ve tried to find the smartest, most intelligent blogs, rather than the ones with embedded music and animated .gifs of Celtic crosses. We reckon that this top ten list is the best of the best when it comes to Celtic tourism.”

Award Winners

• Celtic Myth Podshow
• Celtic Sprite
• Celtic Voices
• Celtic Culture
• Thin Places
• Thin Places Mystical Tour of Ireland
• Celtic_Writer
• Your Irish
• Scela
• Carl McColman

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
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