The ‘Culture’ Category
Posted on: August 9th, 2010 by Leigh
Wedding planning is a large task that requires a great deal of hard work, organization, time and dedication. The couple usually (though not always) takes on all this alone. Usually family members enlist help from the members of their wedding party as well as other close friends and family members. So that dream wedding that go without too many hitches didn’t just happen – hark working people behind the scenes went double time out of love and happiness for the new couple.
Wedding favors for all the guests who help celebrate your special day is a great thing, but a little extra gift to those behind the scenes that made the special day possible is a wonderful way to thank them and show that their help was much appreciated.
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Posted on: August 6th, 2010 by Leigh
Choosing a ring from the engagement ring, to the wedding bands can overwhelm even the most ready of couples. Many couples wish to bring in the spirit of their Celtic ancestors within their jewelry – but flounder on what are the best styles for their upcoming nuptials on top of the myriad choices available. Wedding rings are meant to last a lifetime, so it’s important to find jewelry that reflects the lifestyle and personal taste of the wearers.
To make the hunt a bit easier, there are five items to look for in Celtic wedding ring shopping: quality, handcrafted workmanship, fit, symbols, and price.
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Posted on: August 4th, 2010 by Leigh
Celtic knot work can elegantly add much Irish traditional flair to a wedding. The knot work can be incorporated subtly on embroidered napkins with Celtic love knots, to a more visual statement with the bride and groom wearing Celtic knot wedding rings. Or you can go whole hog and have a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony – this way you can have Celtic knot work take center stage on your wedding and not look out of place.
During a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony, the tradition of hand fasting is often observed, because it was and is a tradition practiced by many Celts, past and present.
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Posted on: August 2nd, 2010 by Leigh
J.J. Thompson construction worker by day, Captain Steuben by night. It seems this way as in the US Thompson, 36 works construction. But whenever he lands in Ireland he is instantly recognized from his band, Captain Steuben and the Key Lime Guys. A chance 10 month gig with Carnival Cruise Line 15 years ago cemented his stardom. As to why he still does construction work in the US and not playing full time, he was quoted as telling the Pittsburgh Post Gazette "I want the favorite thing in my life to remain that way. I don't want to muddy the waters with cash."
Take me to this item: Builder doubles as a celebrity singer in Ireland >>
Posted on: August 2nd, 2010 by Leigh
Jewelry has so many different varieties in how it is crafted and presented. As and always popular and in demand item, jewelry has so many different varieties that it is almost impossible to say that all ideas and methods of jewelry creation have been created or mastered.
This sense of infinite customizable options also applies to gems stones, as they are so many different ways that colored stones can be used in jewelry as well as so many ways to incorporate these concepts into them. Celtic jewelry, and specifically Celtic rings with stones, have become very popular lately. Walking into your search understanding that finding a combination of the best ring style and gemstone for a future ring purchase is limited only by your imagination will make ring shopping easier.
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Posted on: July 30th, 2010 by Leigh
The Puck Fair in Killorglin, Kerry will be celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2013 – this milestone of the event’s age was confirmed by a fair charter granted to a local landlord, Jenkins Conway by King James in 1613. This year’s fair is planned for August 10th; but the residents are already planning for the huge celebration that will surely result three years from now.
Major facts about the festival are that its Ireland’s oldest fair and is also one of the world’s oldest non-religious festivals. The festival mainly involves singing and dancing, a horse and cattle fair and the tradition of King Puck.
Take me to this item: Puck Fair verified to be a 400 year old tradition. >>
Posted on: July 30th, 2010 by Leigh
If you visit any area, one would more than likely be privy to the local slang and sayings. But as a visitor the slang may at worse be insulting, and at best fly right over ones head! The Irish are no different, as the use of very colorful language is not only common place but bawdy and at times highly confusing. Sometimes reading up on slang, or creating a crib sheet of sorts can help a new visitor sort about at least a bit of what the locals mean when terms like arse, bollocks, your man, and aul wan are thrown at them.
Take me to this item: Understanding Irish slang >>
Posted on: July 30th, 2010 by Leigh
Celtic culture has brought the world many things. Celtic cultural queues like bagpipes, four leaf clover, Leprechauns and even football. Oh and big burly men in kilts staring wistfully across a foggy landscape. But there’s more to the Celts than these things. The Celts are more than these (unfairly) cheesy icons. They are a culture rich in ciphers and secret codes. This is seen throughout Celtic jewelry.
These stunning pieces are full of knots, well known symbols and shapes – all which carry historical, cultural, and religious aspects. Many of the symbols seen on Celtic jewelry originated from legends, beliefs and classic mysteries.
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Posted on: July 28th, 2010 by Leigh
This past Sunday, thousands of pilgrims are climbed a mountain in Ireland, following a 5,000 year tradition. This tradition, Reek Sunday, is of climbing Croagh Patrick otherwise known as the Reek. It’s a 2,500 feet mountain, located in County Mayo. It’s estimated that over one million visitors climb the mountain. Reek Sunday is a special day as the tradition honors the patron saint, St. Patrick.
There is speculation that this inspired the legend of Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland. Also the remains of an ancient church at the mountain base is thought to be the remains of a church Patrick founded.
Take me to this item: Reek Sunday >>
Posted on: July 28th, 2010 by Leigh
Many people enjoy Celtic jewelry for the look of it. And rightly so as the art it depicts is would renowned for its beauty. But there’s more to Celtic jewelry art than pretty swirls and images. Many of the art found on these pieces hold deeper meanings to those that understand them. Many exemplify the old Celtic wisdom and philosophy about spirituality and coexistence between man and nature – and the interweaving of all things in this world.
Images such as the famous Celtic bracelet with the center knot, the trinity symbol, the shamrock charm and other designs are each full of historical significance linking the wearer to ancient Celtic culture and heritage.
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Posted on: July 27th, 2010 by Leigh
A century older version of Dublin's unofficial anthem has surfaced in Hay-on-Wye. Sweet Molly Malone, is a famous song whose verses are sung at sporting fixtures and stag nights, and in Irish-themed bars across the world. The song was a light hearted affair about ‘cockles, no mussels, no death of a fever, and no barra wheeled through streets broad and narra’. But this older version is more risqué, the author talking about bedding sweet Molly “by the big hill of Howth":
"Och! I'll roar and I'll groan, My sweet Molly Malone, Till I'm bone of your bone, And asleep in your bed."
Take me to this item: Older version of Dublin’s Sweet Molly Malone song found. >>
Posted on: July 27th, 2010 by Leigh
The Irish love of symbolism extends to all things in life including the romantic spirit. Many of the symbols seen in Irish jewelry evoke love, health and wealth; things that many wish for in abundance in marriage and life. A lot of the symbols used were original of Druid origin but not all. Many symbols are popularly used today: the claddagh ring, the trinity and the lovers’ knot, the peacock, and the dog.
The claddagh ring is traditionally meant to represent love (heart), goodwill and affection (the hands) and loyal esteem (crown).The trinity and the lovers’ knots suggest unflinching fidelity and unbreakable ties. The peacock represents moral dignity, physical health and financial security. And the dog? Supposedly it casts a spell on the wearer that develops the ability to care for and protect those for whom they are responsible.
Take me to this item: Popular Symbols Used in Irish Weddings >>
Posted on: July 26th, 2010 by Leigh
Irish jewelry is more than merely a ring and a necklace. The realm of Irish themed jewelry encompasses earrings, torcs, bracelets, brooches, hair slides, cufflinks and pendants. All tend to be handcrafted in fine metals such as 100% pure sterling silver, gold, titanium and platinum. Note that all of these materials are engrave able allowing for custom artwork such as Celtic knots and Claddagh themed art.
Along with being crafted with high quality materials (to give each piece long-lasting durability), many pieces can have precious or semi-precious stones added to it adding to the value and beauty of the piece.
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Posted on: July 23rd, 2010 by Leigh
Celtic wedding rings have always been a popular seller but nowadays have become even more so among younger couples. Crafted from metals such as white and yellow gold, pure sterling silver, titanium, tungsten and platinum these rings are made with the utmost quality. Celtic wedding rings are made to last, becoming durable and cherish family heirlooms.
There are many reputable jewelers who are qualified to create a one of a kind ring that will be sure to impress many generations later. These rings symbolize the joining couple’s commitment and eternal love, so getting a quality ring made by a trusted crafter is imperative.
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Posted on: July 21st, 2010 by Leigh
Irish wedding rings are one of the most sentimental and symbol filled expressions of love that a woman can receive from the love of her life. These rings are known for their intricate designs and unique symbols such as the popular Claddagh. Irish wedding rings have a distinct romantic feel to them and become a visual expression of a pair’s wedding vows.
These rings tend to be hand crafted, but finding a crafter (with a bit of research) is as easy as typing in a Google search result. Many crafters have catalogs and pictures of past and current work to browse through. Looking through their catalogs will give you a sense of their style and talent, and an idea of what style of ring you would like.
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Posted on: July 19th, 2010 by Leigh
Celtic wedding rings are well known for translating the power of love through traditional and admittedly stunning knot work pattern. Often these are in two-tone weave crafted from metals such as white and yellow gold, pure sterling silver, titanium, tungsten and platinum. Celtic wedding rings have the added appeal that they are usually hand crafted yielding a ring full of detail and high craftsmanship.
Jewelry crafted in this style are not just built for beauty, but are crafted to be durable lasting for many generations. Also many couples can not only get rings hand crafted, but can offer up their own design to the crafter to get a one-of-a-kind piece that will easily become a family heirloom.
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Posted on: July 16th, 2010 by Leigh
In search of a bracelet that will impress but also give that Irish feel? Why not gun for a Celtic bracelet? Like their ring counter parts, these rings are crafted with fine detail with knot work and crosses permeating them. A bracelet can become a beautiful and intricate display of your love and Irish heritage.
But don’t forget, like a ring bracelets have things you must look into before purchase – the material you wish to use (shooting for silver and leather is normally recommended as these two materials fit with most styles of clothing), an idea of its overall design and the symbolism you wish to evoke on it.
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Posted on: July 14th, 2010 by Leigh
Many people bring up tips for Celtic weddings, such as wedding attire, décor, and even down to jewelry. But what about wedding favors? Wedding favors are those tradition little gifts that the bride and groom give out to show how much they appreciate their guests. But as wedding favors can be almost anything, what types could be given out that lend a Celtic feel to a wedding?
Well there are plenty of ‘green’ things that can fill a gift bag. Why not Celtic chocolate? Having chocolate molded into various shapes (or with Celtic design inspired wrappers) that can add flair to a gift bag and quell any chocolate cravings. Other ideas: Celtic candles, Celtic place card holders, claddagh mints, Celtic jewelry, horseshoe charms, and Celtic soap.
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Posted on: July 13th, 2010 by Leigh
Ireland is known for its love of football (American soccer), hunting, dancing, and golf. With a land full of green hill and rolling country, golf would fit easily into the county’s green mold. But it wasn’t always as popular as it was today. The first mention of the sport in Ireland was in 1606, when Viscount Montgomery built a school at Newtown where the scholars had “a green for recreation at golf, football and archery.”
Three centuries later, the game started gaining a firm hold into Irish life. In 1882, Thomas Sinclair founded Royal Belfast, Ireland’s first formally constituted club. Scottish regiments of the British army played a major role in the development of golf in Ireland, establishing the Curragh Golf Club in 1883, Royal Dublin in 1885, and Lahinch in 1892. From that small number, Ireland now has 405 officially recognized golf clubs.
Take me to this item: Golf in Ireland >>
Posted on: July 13th, 2010 by Leigh
Ireland’s first alcohol-free festival was a bust – Sligo’s Lovin’ Life festival had barely 100 festival goers pass through its gates last week. To understand how much a flop the fest was, the number of burgers sold during the weekend event was not in the thousands, or even in the hundreds – but 40.
The festival with 19 booked bands and accommodations for over 1,500 people at times barely had three listeners on the lawn. Many reasons were flung about as to the lack of attendees- The Sligo-Galway GAA replay today, the World Cup quarter finals, the fact not many people know where the festival location was, not enough advertising, and the lack of high profile bands. Some go as far as to say the recession had a hand in the madness.
But the biggest reason many state is that the Irish are just not as ready for sober fun finding it ‘impossible to socialize without alcohol.’
Take me to this item: Drink-free festival passess over the heads of Irish. >>
Posted on: July 13th, 2010 by Leigh
Dublin is synonymous with the pub. The capital city has a mammoth amount of pubs – over 1,000 – showing how integral they are to the city’s culture and history. In fact native Dubliners tend to know about 350 of them, and give directions not by street name but by what pub is near by.
Locals can rattle off where a pub’s bathroom is, to how good the drink on tap is. Many businessmen do their dealings inside of a pub. Pubs are where locals celebrate, relax, mourn, deal, talk literature, and otherwise deal with (or dismiss) life’s troubles for a time.
Take me to this item: Dublin = pubs. >>
Posted on: July 12th, 2010 by Leigh
Getting a ring isn’t just for the bride (or girlfriend)! Gifting that special man in your life a Claddagh ring is just as acceptable – and sweet way of symbolizing your love, friendship and loyalty towards him. The Claddagh symbol in general is a symbol for all, as it is any appropriate gift for many occasions such as a birthday, wedding, engagement, or any general celebration.
Men’s rings are made to be just as elegant as women’s rings, but also have the same hang-ups in searching for one that is fitting to the person. Make sure though that the ring fits the wearer’s sense of personal style and more importantly fits correctly!
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Posted on: July 9th, 2010 by Leigh
Many have heard of the Claddagh, the famous symbol depicting the two hands, heart and crown. But have you heard of the origin behind the symbol? The Claddagh originated from an Irish fisherman by the name of Richard Joyce during the seventeenth century. He was working to eventually marry his true love Margaret who lived in the city of Galway. He had sailed all over the high seas when he had the unfortunate luck of being kidnapped by pirates. He was taken all the way to Algiers where he was forced into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith.
Joyce had adapted to his new forced trade very well, becoming a highly prized goldsmith. But his luck changed again when King William III denounced slavery in the West Indies and ordered all citizens of the British Crown being held to be released. Even though his master begged him to stay, he had set sail back to Ireland with a special ring that he made in the shop for his beloved Margaret.
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Posted on: July 7th, 2010 by Leigh
If you’re looking for a unique style of ring, look towards Celtic rings. Celtic rings bolster some of the most unique designs in the world. But find one out of the many variations in Celtic design can be daunting. Add to that that many of them have symbols with hidden meanings about them, requiring research of them beforehand! Though many designs are popularly known and can be discerned through a glance.
Celtic spirals are a very popular subject on Celtic rings. Starting often with the triplicate spiral or trickle, many rings use this pattern to build more complex spirals off of.
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Posted on: July 5th, 2010 by Leigh
Culture and heritage is an important aspect that defines ones character. They are of but many things that help define who we are – by tracing our roots and ancestors the persons and traditions past define and shape what we are now. The traditions of persons past, the languages, the cultures that they (and by extension we are) directly influence what makes you, well you.
They are many ways to reconnect with one’s heritage and culture. Some go the scholarly way and study by going to libraries and reading books and informative materials. Some go the more social route by participating in Irish traditions.
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