IRISH IDENTITY TROUGH ITS SYMBOLS

Anna Stegienka

Carmen Arredondo

Susana Garcia

Paco Rios

MAIN AIMS

To…• Find out the most important Irish symbols • Research which symbols Irish people like

and dislike.• Learn the meaning of Irish symbols and how

people use them in their daily life.• Find out the most important Celtic Legends

and people’s knowledge about them• Evaluate the evolution in attitudes of Irish

people towards native symbols

THE IMPORTANCE OF SYMBOLS

• Symbols are used to create national identity• Irish people has had two specific reason which has

led them to reinforce the importance of their symbols:

British domination

Emigration

OBJECTS USED LIKE SYMBOLS IN IRISH CULTURE AND THEIR MEANINGS

Flag: White colour represents peace between Catholics (green) and Protestants (orange) or between supporters of Gaelic tradition (green) and supporters of William of Orange.

Shamrock: In ancient Ireland the Shamrock was thought to have magical powers. After that, it is said that Saint Patrick used it to explain the Trinity.

Harp: During the early the 16th Century harp was first depicted on Irish coins. That tradition is carried on today and the harp is also used for other official duties such as the Irish state seal, official documents and uniforms

Claddagh ring: It is a wedding ring and it is said that the heart is shown outside to show that the wearer is heart whole.

OBJECTS USED LIKE SYMBOLS IN IRISH CULTURE AND THEIR MEANINGS (2)

•Celtic cross: The legend says that Saint Patrick found a standing stone that was marked with a circle. He marked a cross in the circle to show the union of the old and new ways.

OBJECTS USED LIKE SYMBOLS IN IRISH CULTURE AND THEIR MEANINGS (y 3)

Guinness is a popular dry stout beer that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness. It is popular with Irish people both in Ireland and abroad. Is the best-selling alcoholic drink of all time in Ireland

Leprechaun: male fairy, usually taking form of and old man in a green coat. It is said that if you find one, he can lead you to his buried pot of gold.

WHAT IRISH PEOPLE THINK ABOUT SYMBOLS

IRISH SYMBOLS IN DAILY LIFE

MYTHS AND LEGEND

THE CHILDREN OF LIR

The story about how the four children of the King Lir become Swans because their stepmother put a spell on them

CUCHULAINN

The story of a brave Irish man named Setanta. He change his name to Cuchulainn and offered to guard the Culain’s house because he had killed his hound

OTHER SYMBOLS FROM IRISH CULTURE

Irish traditional sports

Salmon & Trout Fishing

Gaelic FootballHurling

Irish gaelic language

Irish traditional music and dance

CONCLUSION SUGGESTED

The kind of symbols which Irish people have preferred to represent the Irish national identity and the Irish culture have gone changing along the last century from objects to activities