Leprechauns are Irish Fairies and Symbols of Ireland Well, they are actually some type of fairies that belonged to the Tuatha de Danann before becoming the Sidhe. However, they only became popular after being sent to the Underworld.
Other names worth noting in the Irish fairy lore are Banshee, Leprechaun, and Puca. The Banshee (bean si) is the female, or "Ban" sidhe, but more particularly, had the function of keening like a mortal woman when a family member died, whether the deceased was present in the family home or not.
The shamrock, or 3 leaf clover, represents the holy trinity; the father, the son and the holy ghost. If you're interested in Shamrock Vacations, look no further. Have you noticed the harp appearing on Irish coins? It even graces the Guinness, a popular Irish beer, bottle labels.
The Harp
The harp is Ireland's official national emblem. It appears on the Presidential Seal, passports, official documents and Irish coins and appears on the logo for the iconic Guinness brand. It's history dates back some 1000 years and it is said that Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland was a talented player.
The Tuatha de Danann used their innate magic to become the Sidhe (pronounced Shee) – today known as the “fairies”, “little people” or the “wee folk”.
Some tales in Irish folklore depict fairies as guardian-like figures - not just in that they guard the natural world, but in that they warn humans of what is to come. The Banshee, for example, is usually understood to have good intentions in warning people about the impending death of a loved one.
Irish fairies are not to be confused with the small, winged figures you'll find in a Disney movie. In olden times, Irish believed that fairies in Ireland were neither human nor ghosts but rather natural beings with supernatural powers. They are small. They can die; just as they can give birth to children.
Many historians state that the Triskele, or Triple Spiral is the oldest symbol of spirituality. The name comes from the Greek words "Tri" and "Skelos," which, when translated to English, mean "three legs." In the ancient origins of Irish culture, the Triple Spiral is said to be an important spiritual marking.
The Irish Harp is the national emblem of Ireland and is still widely used today. Look for it on Irish Euro coins as well as on the label of every can and bottle of Guinness. The meaning of the Irish harp symbol embodies the spirit and essence of the Irish people and is said to represent the immortality of the soul.
1. The Dara Knot. What is this? The Dara Knot (AKA the Celtic Shield Knot) is the most notable Celtic symbol for strength and it's intertwined with the ancient oak tree.
The significance of the three-leafed shamrock comes from St. Patrick himself. He used the shamrock to describe the three forms of God – the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit – to convert early Irish people to Christianity. Despite the role played by the shamrock, the four-leafed clover took over as a symbol of good luck.
This The Irish Shamrock - National Flower Fact File outlines the history of the shamrock and how it came to be a national symbol for Ireland. Find out what a shamrock is, the history of its significance and its importance as a celebratory symbol of the Irish holiday of St Patrick's Day.
What is the Celtic symbol for family? There are several family Celtic symbols; the Triskelion, the Celtic Tree of Life and the Trinity Knot are three ancient Celtic family knots.
A leprechaun (Irish: lucharachán/leipreachán/luchorpán) is a diminutive supernatural being in Irish folklore, classed by some as a type of solitary fairy. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief.
Áine is also known as the Queen of the Fairies and as Áine Chlair (Áine of the Light). Incredibly, rites in her honour were held as recently as 1879, where the Midsummer rituals were performed by the native Irish, ashes from their fires being spread onto the fields, ensuring fertility and an abundance of crops.
The hawthorn tree is thought to be a sacred meeting place for the fairies and cutting down a lone hawthorn fairy tree is avoided at all costs. The Fairy trees are believed to bring luck and prosperity to the owners of the land where they grow.
Celtic Symbolism
What is the trinity knot? It's a series of three-pointed loops drawn seamlessly in a triangular shape, and its meaning has been interpreted in various ways. The ancient Celts likely viewed it as spiritual, representing the three stages of life – youth, adulthood, and old age.
The Triskele or Triskelion is a symbol that consists of three interlocked spirals. It is one of the oldest Irish Celtic symbols in existence, and is best known to represent the three worlds; the celestial, physical, and spiritual.
The coat of arms of Ireland is blazoned as Azure a harp Or, stringed Argent (a gold harp with silver strings on a blue background). These arms have long been Ireland's heraldic emblem. References to them as being the arms of the king of Ireland can be found as early as the 13th century.
The earliest group of the Irish folklore cycle is the Mythological Cycle and although it tells of the arrival of humans in Ireland and the 5 invasions it dominantly revolves around the goddesses and gods of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
What Does the Triskelion Symbol Mean? Derived from the Greek word "Triskeles" meaning "three legs", the Triskele or Triple Spiral is a complex ancient Celtic symbol. Often referred to by many as a Triskelion, its earliest creation dates back to the Neolithic era, as it can be seen at the entrance of Newgrange, Ireland.
About the Celtic Motherhood Knot
Traditionally, the Celtic symbol for mother consists of two hearts that are finely interlinked with no start or finish. What is this? However, you'll often see motherhood knots with 5 or 6 hearts, or with a number of dots inside or outside the symbol.
Irish fairies often take the form of a hare. But we do know they are small. They should not, however, be confused with leprechauns or pookas, Ireland's other resident small, magical beings. You will see leprechauns on more Irish gifts, but fairies are just as Irish as leprechauns.
The origin of these Irish fairies could be dated back to the ancient Celtic beliefs of pagan Gods and supernatural beings. However, there is no linear path that traces the development of fairy lore in Ireland from its origin.
The defining features of the Irish fairies are their supernatural abilities and their temperament. If treated with respect and kindness, Irish fairies can be quite benevolent; however, if they are mistreated they will react cruelly.