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Jan 25, 2023 · Today, the harp continues to be a symbol of Ireland and is often featured in traditional Irish music. Many Irish musicians have made a name for themselves playing the harp, including...
- The Early History of The Harp
- Becoming A Symbol of Nationalism
- Different Versions For Different Visions
- Shared with The World Through Business and Politics
The harp’s presence in Ireland dates back over a thousand years. It can be seen on manuscripts and Christian stone crosses, which date back to the 8th century. While the origins of the harp aren’t known, archaeologists have found5,000 year old depictions of it from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. In old Gaelic society, Chieftains wouldn’t go too far...
When Henry VIII declared himself King of Ireland in 1541, he upgraded Ireland’s status from a lordship to a kingdom. As a result, the country’s own unique coinage was introduced and it featured a harp topped with a crown. This symbolised Ireland’s place, but over the years different designs emerged. Since the 13th century, the harp had been conside...
In the centuries that followed, musicologist Mary Louise O’Donnellsays that the harp was used alongside other symbols to communicate different visions of Ireland’s future. In 1778, the Volunteer movement used a harp with a crown above it as its symbol. But it didn’t feature the traditional English crown. Instead, the Protestant-led group used an an...
Throughout the 1800s, the harp became associated with another well-known Irish entity – the Guinness brewery. Despite the difficulties with sea crossing, the company began to export to Europe, Africa, The Americas and New Zealand. In 1862, it started using bottle labels which featured a harp to distinguish its brand. The design was based on the Bri...
Oct 23, 2023 · As the national symbol of Ireland, the harp holds a special place in Irish history. While the instrument is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia, Persia (now Iran) its presence in Ireland dates back at least 1000 years.
Jan 4, 2020 · Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol. The current design is based on the ‘Brian Boru harp’ of the 14th Century, which can be found in the museum of Trinity Colleges in the heart of Dublin
Jul 23, 2020 · The Irish harp is a stringed musical instrument that’s said to be one of the oldest in the world. This beautiful instrument is also the national emblem of Ireland and one of the popular Celtic symbols. The emerald isle holds the distinction of being the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol.
The harp is the official emblem of Ireland and it is unique to have a musical instrument used as a symbol to represent a country. Dating back to medieval times, the harp was at the epicentre of Irish society until its decline at the end of the 19th century.
