Irish Music Forever.com tells us :Finnegan’s Wake is a raucous, irreverent song that tells the story of hod carrier Tim Finnegan who has a “love of the liquor”. So much so that to send him on his way each day he has a

“drop of the craythur every morn”.

This refers to whiskey, the drink that leads both to Finnegan’s downfall and his revival as we shall see.While working he falls from his ladder, breaks his skull and dies.
True to Irish tradition there is a wake and, again true to Irish tradition, there is plenty of crying, drinking and eventually, fighting.

Finnegan’s brunch leads to riot

The wake may begin with “tea and cake” but soon the mourners are on the whiskey punch and that’s when the trouble starts.

First it brings out the emotion as Biddy Malone begins to cry at the  sight of poor Tim Finnegan motionless on the bed. “Why did you die” she
wails.

The crying and whimpering is too much for Molly McGhee who tells Biddy the shut her gob.

Sprawling and punching – and that’s just the women

Mary Murphy enters the conversation and, perhaps trying to calm
things, suggests that Biddy may have been wrong about some point or
other – it’s not clear what.

Not that it matters because Biddy, overcome with emotion, was in no
mood for talking. Instead, she turned to Mary and

“fetched her a belt in the gob”.

Civil war at Finnegan’s Wake

Then the fighting really starts. “Twas woman to woman and man to man”as a form of civil war breaks out.

“Shillelagh law was all the rage”

and the strange thing is that everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

It would take something special to stop them but, of course, something very special is about to happen.

To find out more about this hilarious song and others visit Here

Happy St Patricks Day Everyone  )

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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.
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FAE Magazine 14 Pic: FAE Magazine

SPRING ISSUE of FAE OUT 1st FEB! In issue 14 you can find out about Brian Froud’s soon to be released book ‘How To See Faeries’. There’s an exclusive feature with Mermaid Melissa. Learn about Faery Belly Dance with Cara B who is also our cover faery! In issue 14, the spring edition of FAE, you can find out about Brian Froud’s soon to be released book ‘How To See Faeries’. There’s an exclusive feature with Mermaid Melissa. Learn about Faery Belly Dance with Cara B who is also our cover faery! Take a glimpse into a year in the life of visionary artist Josephine Wall, and find out about the ‘Green Fairy’ associated with the drink Absinthe, with Ceri Norman. As a brief aside, you can look forward to a reading from Ceri’s brand new book Celtic Maidens.

Read an special interview with Taloch, front-man of the mighty Dolmen. Doreen Virtue returns with her exclusive Fairy Card feature, and new columnists, the Faerie Whisperer Aurora Brierley, Fairy Folklorist Elizabeth-Jane Baldry, and the Leprechaun’s Music Reviewer grace the pages. Gabriella Szabo’s vibrant art features, and Felicity Fyr Le Fay takes us on a global Faerytale. In the spirit of Valentines Day, Flavia-Kate Peters leads us on a ‘Faery Romance’ visualisation, and the Faerie Goddess Mother answers your questions, plus fashion with Zizzy Fay, Pixie Glamour and Magical Masks, and much much more inside this jam packed issue of FAE!

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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.

Originally posted 2011-02-06 09:52:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The Olympic Torch Pic: Meath Chronicle

The Meath Chronicle reports that a call for the Olympic torch to stop in Meath on its visit to Ireland has been made by Meath County Council and the Kells and District Tourism Forum.The Kells forum is to make a bid to have the Olympic Torch visit Teltown, outside Kells, on its way from Newry to Dublin in advance of the London Games in 2012.

Teltown is the home of the ancient Tailteann Games, which date back over 4,000 years to 1829BC, and pre-date the ancient Greek Olympic Games.

The possibility of having the Olympic torch stopping in Meath was also raised by Cllr Noel Leonard at a special pre-budget meeting of Meath County Council this week.

Cllr Leonard asked the county manager to contact Pat Hickey of the Olympic Council of Ireland “as soon as possible” with a view to getting the torch to stop at a location in Meath. He said the famous Tailteann Games in Meath pre-dated the Olympic Games by 1,800 years and a stopover by the torch-bearers would showcase Meath to millions of TV viewers throughout the world.

According to Kells Tourism Forum secretary, Lucy O’Reilly, the hill of Tailtiu (modern Teltown) is one of the most important ritual landscapes in Ireland, for it was here that the celebrated Aonach Tailteann, the Lughnasa Festival, was first held.

The Games and the Festival of Lughnasa were initiated by Lugh of the Long Arm in memory of his foster mother, Tailtiu.

We know that Greek traders featured at the Tailteann Games, and that the Tailteann Games predated the ancient Olympic Games by about 500 years. Ptolemy charted the course of the Boyne River in the second century BC – showing the familiarity that the Greeks and other travelers had with the area at that time.

There are clear similarities between the ancient Greek Olympics and the Tailteann Games – and we would even suggest that, in the ancient world, games such as the Greek Olympics originated here in this area in Ireland.

Ms O’Reilly said it was brilliant that the Olympic Council of Ireland had fought for the torch to come to Ireland.

We suggest that it would be entirely appropriate for the torch to visit the site of the ancient Games at Tailteann on its way from Newry to Dublin. It would be a marriage of legends – the torch coming back to its possible ancestral home before moving on to London.

Read more at the Meath Chronicle.

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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.

This Winter Solstice event is 5 years old and involves the revival of recorded traditions in Cornwall but in particular, West Penwith. It originated as an idea to have an event in Penzance to ‘balance’ with the Midsummer’s Golowan Festival.

Reflecting the ‘death’ and ‘rebirth’ of the sun, Rivers of Fire are created, lantern-lit processions from different areas of the town, meeting at the highest point, Lescudjack Hillfort, an ancient fortress site. Here, the community gathers to watch The Lord of Misrule light the beacon, fireplay, dancing, drumming and the magical, mischievous Turkey Rhubarb Band. The site is lit by natural light from numerous lanterns and torches, crafted in the previous week at community workshops.

All return to Chapel Street in one ‘River of Fire’ where the guising, music, acrobatics, singing and mayhem begins, masked and dressed in tattered or ‘mock posh’ attire, as recorded in the history books. Later, another band-led torch lit procession begins from the top of Chapel Street, leading to a lower beacon behind the Barbican for community dancing, music and the Chalking of the Mock ceremony.

And, in early December, Montol chairman, Simon Reed, said that Montol’s main event is shaping up nicely.

“Hundreds of musicians will join the main procession from St John’s Hall at 6pm including guests from all over Cornwall. We are very excited about this year’s event – despite financial pressures we are still very much on track to give the people of Penzance a fantastic celebration this year.

After the procession to Lescudjack Hillfort where the Montol beacon will be lit, Chapel Street will be closed to traffic.

There will be street entertainment from 10 local groups , including music, dance and circus acts while the Cornish dance group Kemysk will be playing in the Union Hotel from 8pm.

The Montol festival group would like to thank Arts Council South West, Feast and Penzance Town Council for their generous support this year.

Penglaz, the Cornish ‘Obby ‘Oss

Penglaz Pic: Cornish Witchcraft

Penglaz is the historical name traditionally associated with mast or pole style ‘Obby ‘Osses in the Penwith region of Cornwall. They are first described in the 19th century following mummers, dancers and guizers during the Christmas/Midwinter festive period. Modern Penglaz ‘Osses were revived in 1992. The original revived Penglaz was introduced by Cornish piper Merv Davey and appeared at Penzance’s newly revived Midsummer Golowan festival. The original Penglaz was later renamed and accompanies the traditional Cornish music group Pyba in their guizing performances.

The Penglaz Teazer role, introduced by Golowan in the 90′s, may in fact be a traditional one as the ‘Oss is recorded as having been lead by a ‘master’, there is even confusion amongst antiquarians whether it was this ‘master’ or the ‘Oss who originally bore the name Penglaz.

The tradition of Penglaz making an outing during the Midwinter period was revived in 2007 with modern Penglaz ‘Osses and their Teazers appearing at Penzance’s Midwinter Montol festival, with ferstival goers dressed in guize and mock-formal attire. Sadly, Penglaz ‘Osses made their last Montol appearances at the festival in 2009.

Sources:

This is Cornwall
Montol.co.uk
Cornish Witchcraft

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.

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.

We are lucky that Marq English of MEV Productions is producing a video diary of the film’s production, so you can get some idea of what’s coming and how it has all been put together.

Production Diary from the second day’s Filming at Stone Farm Rocks in West Sussex – Directed by Gary Andrews.

Video Diary Filmed and Edited by Marq English.

http://www.thespiritofalbionthemovie.com
http://www.mevproductions.co.uk

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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.