Emblems Used on Irish Family Crests
by William M. Martin
The Irish coat of arms is a heraldic fashion utilized by members of a family to display their pride in their clan and family heritage. Coats of arms were part of Norman and northern European practices and did not become popular among Irish families until subsequent to the English invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Family crests are analogous to modern day gang colors and showed you belonged to a specific clan or region. They were also used in war to tell friends from adversaries, to act as a rallying point and a token of what they were struggling for.
The family crest was usually placed on a tunic or on the breast of a suit of armor. It also was maintained and displayed on flags and pendants. In combat it was generally emblazoned onto a warriors shield. These family crests were packed with symbolism and meaning and sometimes showed ties between families. Three reoccurring insignias found on Irish family crests are the red hand, the stag walking, and the wild boar.
Although its root beginnings go all the way back to pagan times "The Red Hand of Ulster" in Gaelic L'mh Dhearg Uladh, is in most cases associated with the O'Neil clan and it is sometimes referred to as the "Hand of O'Neil". The O'Neal's are amongst the oldest families in Ireland and claim ancestory to a grandson of Niall Glun Dubh a 10th century King of Ireland and thru him to Niall of the Nine Hostages, popular 4th century high king. It had been used by the O'Neils during the nine year war and their war cry was "L'mh Dhearg Ab!", meaning "red hand to victory." Its initial use on a coat of arms goes back to 1243 when Walter de Burgh became Earl of Ulster and introduced it to his family crest. It can also be found on the flag of Northern Ireland as well as the shields of counties Cavan, Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim and Monaghan. Other families that use the red hand on their crest are Branagan, Brennan, Byrne, Cullen, Daly, Daugherty, Fox, Guinness, McNeil, Neal or O'Neal, Riley, Reilly or O'Reilly.
The stepping stag represents stable political power and is usually associated with the McCarthy clan. The McCarthy's were one of the more important families of southern Ireland and trace their ancestry to Carthach, a 11th century E'ganacht Chaisil king and contempary of Brian Boru High King of Ireland. His son Muireadhach styled himself Mac Cartaigh meaning son of Carthach and his sons adopted the surname Mac Carthy. The Mac Carthy's were allied to numerous families of southern Ireland and fought constantly with their Norman neighbors the Fitzgerald's and Butler's. Among the other families which feature the stepping stag are Daugherty, Green, McConnell or O'Connell and Rogers.
The wild boar is a symbol of steadfastness, bravery together with a willingness to fight to the death. In contrast the boars head which signifies hospitality. The Sullivan's or O'Sulliavan's, Gaelic Ua S'ileabh'in, are one other ancient Irish clan. Their crest features two wild boars on a black and white quartered field. The O'Sullivan center of authority was at County Tipperary but they were also plentiful in Cork and Munster. They claim decent from Fedelmid mac Crimthainn a 9th century King of Munster. Other families utilizing the wild boar symbol are Cassidy, McCann, and Sweeny.
The emblems Irish heraldry are very plentiful including wild and mythical beasts, weapons, and heraldic emblems, I have listed a couple that happen to be distinctly Irish. If you have Irish ancestors there are plenty of good publications available that will aid an armature genealogist find out about their family crest.
William Martin is a expert genealogist come learn more about<a href="http://tinyurl.com/cpnmgna">Our shop.</a> Irish family crests are our specialty. Learn more <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c4u4zn8">Irish family crests.</a>. Unique version for reprint here: <a href="http://www.uberarticles.com/home.php?id=1757039&p=52217">Emblems Used on Irish Family Crests</a>.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Emblems Used on Irish Family Crests
Author: William M. Martin
Email: designer@namegameshop.com
Keywords: coat of arms,family crests,Ireland,Irish,genealogy,Irish coat of arms,Irish family crest,Irish Family history,Irish genealogy,Irish history
Word Count: 608
Category: Hobbies
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