Legend of the Claddagh Ring

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The story of the Claddagh is based in rich Irish culture. It begins about five centuries ago in the fishing village of Claddagh, just outside the city of Galway. Men of the village, much as they do today, would go out to the sea, each day, to fish for food for their families and other villagers. The sea presented many dangers. On some days the sea was high and on others the current was strong. The greatest risk, however, was that there were pirates.

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On one such day, the story goes, a young man was fishing at sea with other men from his family. Suddenly, from their small boat, they spied a Spanish pirate ship. That sight, the men were certain, sealed their fate. The pirates captured the men from Claddagh and brought them to the far off North Coast of Africa. It was there that they were sold into slavery for what they were sure would be the rest of their lives.

Richard, the youngest of those captured, was the most distraught. All men had left loved ones behind, but Richard had just met his true love and now feared that he would not live to see her again. Years passed and several of the men died. Others accepted their fate. Richard worked as a slave, but continued to long for a return to his village and to his beloved. To keep his spirits up and to keep hope in his heart, each day Richard stole a tiny speck of gold from his slave masters in the goldsmith shop where he tended the fires. Years passed and, with his tiny pieces of gold, he was finally able to fashion a ring. It was his hope that, despite what seemed nearly impossible, he would return to his village and present the ring to his true love.

No one really knows if Richard escaped or earned his release from slavery, but in either event, the day finally came when Richard could begin the long trip back to his village in Ireland . . . to his home. At his journey’s end, Richard was overcome with joy when he learned that his beloved had remained true to him in his long absence, waiting faithfully for him to return. It was on that day that Richard gave his beloved the ring he created that is now known worldwide as the Claddagh Ring.

The Claddagh design appears not only in rings, but in other types of jewelry as well. The heart in the cladadgh symbolizes the love Richard longed to share with his true love. The crown symbolizes his undying loyalty and the hands symbolize friendship, which is, after all, the very foundation of love, with loyalty holding the two hands together. The Claddagh design became popular as an engagement or a wedding ring. It took on even more significance when Claddagh rings began to be worn widely by women throughout Ireland, on the west coast and the islands, where the claddagh may well have been the only major “investment” in a fishing family, an heirloom handed down from mother to daughter.

There even is a guide which explains the symbolism of how the ring is worn. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing out, it means that the wearer’s heart is uncommitted. Worn on the same hand with the heart pointing inward, the Claddagh ring means that the wearer’s heart is taken.

Auld Lang Syne

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Celtic Corner would like to wish you a very happy new year.  Many of us start the year by singing Auld Lang Syne but did you know that Auld Lang Syne was written by Scottish poet, Robert Burns.  Each year the Scots celebrate the great Bard in January (on or around his birthday on the 25th) with a supper, haggis, pipes and dancing.  If you are in Cincinnati, go to CaledonianSociety.org for more information or look up your local Scottish Society to find out when their supper is, it is always a great time.  Below is an article from Burns Country’s website with more information about the celebration.

Cheers!

A Burns Supper Guide

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

The annual celebratory tribute to the life, works and spirit of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796). Celebrated on, or about, the Bard’s birthday, January 25th, Burns Suppers range from stentoriously formal gatherings of esthetes and scholars to uproariously informal rave-ups of drunkards and louts. Most Burns Suppers fall in the middle of this range, and adhere, more or less, to some sort of time honoured form which includes the eating of a traditional Scottish meal, the drinking of Scotch whisky, and the recitation of works by, about, and in the spirit of the Bard.

Every Burns Supper has its own special form and flavour, though there are probably more similarities than differences among these gastro-literary affairs. Individual tastes and talents will determine the character of your Burns Supper. Some celebrants may contribute the composition of original songs or poems; some may excel at giving toasts or reciting verse; while others may be captivating storytellers. A particular group of celebrants will, over time, develop a unique group character which will distinguish their Burns Supper celebration from every other.

Our core group has been meeting for 14 years. We started off on a whim, without any notion of traditional form, other than the idea that we would eat haggis, read Burns, and drink whisky (not necessarily in that order).  An itinerary evolved that has lots of traditional elements, but leaves room for personal or topical additions. Feel free to add a few unique conventions of your own.

With a little bit of planning anyone (well, almost anyone) can enjoy a Burns Night celebration. All that’s needed is a place to gather (gracious host), plenty of haggis and neeps to go around (splendid chef), a master of ceremonies (foolhardy chairman), friendly celebrants (you and your drouthy cronies), and good Scotch drink to keep you warm (BYOB). With these ingredients, at least a few celebrants will be able to make prattling fools of themselves, trying to do justice to the words and spirit of Robert Burns. And if everyone brings along a wee dram and a bit of poetry, prose or song then each, in turn, may become an object of mirth and amusement to the gathered throng. Be prepared to enjoy yourself beyond all expectation. With good cheer and gay company we all may, in short, be able to ring in the Bard’s birthday fou rarely.

I’ve found that most people, although they may be unaware of it, love to attend Burns Suppers. They may feel a little intimidated at the idea of attending a participatory event, but are attracted by the idea of a ribald literary soiree. (They may perceive a Burns Supper to be some sort of droll intellectual exercise – it has hip cachet and doesn’t sound too threatening.) These people are often wonderfully appreciative guests and end up having a great time. And therein lies a dilemma for all Burns Supper organizers: Motivating guests to be active participants, rather than passive appreciators. Everyone should feel comfortable taking part with verse, anecdote or song, but they may need a little help and encouragement. So as a Burns Supper chairman it is highly recommended that you come prepared with plenty of literary ammunition with which to arm any unprepared, or reluctant, celebrants. It helps if you know your guests and can match them with a suitable reading. Better still, you may be able to gently motivate them, in advance, by including an informal listing of sources along with your charming (I’m sure) Burns Supper invitation. Hopefully that, along with the good vibes and good whisky, will be all the encouragement anyone will need to lower their inhibitions to a level that Burns, himself, would appreciate.

From http://www.robertburns.org/suppers/

A Beginners Guide to Highland Games – Part II

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I hope you enjoyed Part I, now onto Part II

What to Wear

There is no better time to kilt up if you have it or try to See the source imageincorporate a piece of your tartan into your ensemble.  If you don’t have any tartan, pick some up from a vendor at the festival.  The key to an enjoyable day is comfortable attire, especially footwear.  Sneakers or boots are a great idea as there is usually a fair bit of walking, and if you went to any festivals this year, they can be muddy.  There are often gravel paths or other unlevel surfaces to negotiate.  Most festivals will provide golf carts for those that have difficulty getting around.

If you are new to kilt wearing, have a wee practice sitting in your kilt.  Don’t give the other festival goers or performers a shock!  Helpful Hint, your sporran is more than just a bag.  When sitting most gents will push the sporran down to keep everything a mystery!

What to Bring

Here is our short list of items you may want with you.  Some festivals are more equipped than others with bleachers, chairs tents etc.  At least if you have these things in your vehicle, you will be covered if things are not available to you:

  • Folding Chairs
  • Picnic Blanket
  • Wet Wipes/Hand Sanitizer
  • Cash
  • Cooler
  • Adult beverages (check with festival – some are dry and you need to bring your own, some don’t allow outside beverages)
  • Umbrella for rain and/or sun shade
  • Hat
  • Rain Coat
  • Phone Charger (for car ride home)
  • Sunglasses

Other Helpful Hints

Want your furry friend to come?  Make sure to check and see if the festival is pet friendly.

In remote locations, it is necessary to book lodging very early – 9-12 months out sometimes. Some festivals will have a host hotel which may have a convenient shuttle bus to the event.

Parking is often at a premium at games.  You may be required to park in a remote location and bus in.  Pack accordingly if this might happen to you.  Some buses are free and others have a small fee.

Toilets – The situation varies a lot but most of the time it’s a Port-a-Potty you will find.  See above hand sanitizer/wet wipes in packing list.

Advanced purchase ticket discounts are usually available.  If you know you are going, get them early.

Lots of food vendors will be there with traditional Scottish and regular American festival foods.  Lines can get very long during lunch hours.  It’s a good idea to pack a lunch if you can.

Cash is king especially at food vendors, an ATM is usually available

Cell Phone signals are not dependable at events either due to remote location or just a whole lot of people using the same towers.  Have a contingency plan

The highland games are about family, you are highly encouraged to bring the little ones too.

Opportunities are available for you to become a sponsor.  Amenities vary but you can find bonuses like Sponsor Tent access (which has anything from a good view to some snacks to full meals), receptions, golf cart service, priority parking, special mention in the program and the great feeling that you are contributing to the long lasting success of the games.

Accessability – Most times there is designated accessible parking and golf carts to get patrons to the grounds.

Closing

If you stick around for the event closing you may find one of two things at your games.

Massed Bands – if there is a pipe band competition, the See the source imageevent will close with all the bands marching onto the field and an awards ceremony.  It is awe inspiring to see so many on the field at once.

Ault Lang Syne – The other closing you will see (more often at indoor events) is Auld Lang Syne.  All remaining people at the event will make a large circle holding hands and sing (better practice the lyrics early!)  At the part of the song where it says “And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!/and gie’s a hand o’ thine!” you will cross your arms in front of you body and rejoin hands with your neighbor.  Then on “And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,/for auld lang syne.”  Bounce arms up and down.  After that you walk into and out of the circle a couple times and then it’s over.

*This is how I was taught by my Scottish mother, I realize it may have evolved into something else in different areas, but I quite like it this way ?

Its Festival Season! Dress to “Kilt” without blowing your budget

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Highland Games and Celtic Festivals are tons of fun and a great way to show your pride in your heritage.  Lots of people want to wear their kilts to festivals, but what do you do if the weather is anything but cooperative?  If you have invested in a traditional, Scottish wool kilt, you may be apprehensive to take it to a festival if it’s pouring rain, dry and dusty, or any number of less than ideal conditions.  A lot of you may be looking for your first kilt too.  How do you choose a quality option?  There have been a lot of kilts added to the market in recent years, so be careful before you buy, or you may be disappointed by what actually arrives in the mail.

  1. A great way to get a durable, less expensive kilt is to go with a wool alternative.  Our recommendation is a Polyester/Viscose blend.  It have a nice tight weave similar in look to traditional wool kilts at 1/5 the price.  Acrylic weaves tend to be chunkier and not the best color match to their wool counterparts.  Beware of wool kilts that are not 100% Scottish Worsted Wool.  This is likely Asian wool and also does not have the quality or look that the Scottish wool and even the Poly/Viscose fabric has.  We offer Poly/Viscose kilts from $50-$150 in several tartans.
  2. Another great option is the Utility Kilt.  These are made of a heavy cotton in plain and camouflage fabrics and often have assorted pockets, D-rings etc.  They are perfect for getting down and dirty at a festival. Just throw it in the machine when you get home and it’s as good as new.

 

 

Everyone wants a little piece of their family heritage to wear.  As there is a limited range of tartans available in poly/viscose fabrics, a good alternative to having your family tartan is wearing a family cap badge or kilt pin.

We have fitted a lot of people in kilts and here are some of the top glitches people encounter when donning their first kilt:

1. The pleats go in the back, flat part in the front.

2. The kilt is worn higher than your pants which may change the size you need.

3.  When putting on the kilt, undo the buckles/straps all the way and then wrap the kilt around you.  One strap will go through a hole in the waistline of the kilt, the other wraps around the outside.  You can swivel the kilt around you to reach the buckles easier.  Center the apron (flat section) at your belly button.

4.  There are lots of accessories that go with your kilt.  If you are on a budget, here is our recommendation for the order to buy stuff.

  • Kilt
  • Sporran
  • Hose (socks) & Flashes
  • Ghillie Shirt (if going for the Jacobite look)
  • Belt & Buckle
  • Kilt Pin
  • Sgian Dubh
  • Ghillie Brogues
  • Traditional Hat – Glengarry or Balmoral
  • Other formal attire (Argyle or Price Charlie Jacket)

You are now all set hit the festival scene in style.  Happy kilt wearing!