Irish Coat of Arms Emblems
by William M. Martin
The Irish family crest is a heraldic fashion employed by members of a family to illustrate their pride in their clan and family heritage. Coats of arms were part of Norman and northern European culture and did not become in style among Irish families until subsequent to the English invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Family crests are comparable to modern day gang colors and showed you belonged to a particular clan or region. They were also used in battle to tell friends from enemies, to act as a rallying point and a symbol of what they were struggling for.
The coat of arms was usually placed on a tunic or on the breast area of a suit of armor. It also was maintained and shown on banners and pendants. In warfare it was ordinarily painted onto a warriors shield. These family crests were packed with symbolism and meaning and commonly showed ties between families. Three reoccurring designs found on Irish coats of arms are the red hand, the stag walking, and the wild boar.
Although its origins go all the way back to pagan times "The Red Hand of Ulster" in Gaelic L'mh Dhearg Uladh, is usually associated with the O'Neil clan and 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 battle cry was "L'mh Dhearg Ab!", meaning "red hand to victory." Its original use on a coat of arms goes back to 1243 when Walter de Burgh had become Earl of Ulster and applied it to his family crest. It may also be found on the flag of Northern Ireland and the shields of counties Cavan, Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim and Monaghan. Other families that display the red hand on their arms are Branagan, Brennan, Byrne, Cullen, Daly, Daugherty, Fox, Guinness, McNeil, Neal or O'Neal, Riley, Reilly or O'Reilly.
The stepping stag is a symbol of stable political strength and is generally associated with the McCarthy clan. The McCarthy's were among the most 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 put into practice the surname Mac Carthy. The Mac Carthy's were allied to numerous families of southern Ireland and battled regularly with their Norman neighbors the Fitzgerald's and Butler's. A few selected other families that feature the stepping stag are Daugherty, Green, McConnell or O'Connell and Rogers.
The wild boar is a representation of steadfastness, courage along with readiness to battle to the death. By comparison 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 influence was at County Tipperary but they were also plentiful in Cork and Munster. They are decent from Fedelmid mac Crimthainn a 9th century King of Munster. Other families that employ the wild boar image are Cassidy, McCann, and Sweeny.
The symbols of Irish heraldry are very plentiful including wild and mythical beasts, weaponry, and heraldic emblems, these are only a couple which are usually distinctly Irish. If you have Irish ancestors there are a number good publications available that can help an armature genealogist learn about their coat of arms.
Wm Martin is an skilled genealogist come see more about <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c9n8753">our shop.</a> Irish Coat of arms are our specialty. Learn more about <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c78f2xn">Irish coat of arms.</a>. Free reprint available from: <a href="http://www.uberarticles.com/home.php?id=1757066&p=52217">Irish Coat of Arms Emblems</a>.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Irish Coat of Arms Emblems
Author: William M. Martin
Email: designer@namegameshop.com
Keywords: Irish coat of arms, Irish family crest, Irish Family history, Irish genealogy, Irish history, Family history, genealogy, Irish history,history, hobbies
Word Count: 611
Category: Hobbies
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