BS: Irish history help - please!

Subject: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 08:30 PM

I've read recently that Henry VIII is responsible for making the "harp" the symbol of Ireland and I'll accept that as true from the author I am currently reading. My question is: did those from beyond the pale ever agree that it should be so, or did they just accept the dictate from the slimy Tudor King and let it go at that; or, did the Irish never accept it?

I've worn the harp for several years now and the thought of it not being a "true" symbol of Ireland would lead me to cease wearing it. So, how and when did the harp become the symbol of Ireland, or, is it really not the symbol of Ireland? I'm so confused.
Thanks. Cheers,.........mwh

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 08:34 PM

It's as much -- perhaps more -- of a symbol for Ireland as the shamrock, the shillelagh or the pint of Guinness.

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: Peace
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 08:36 PM

Henry VIII began the use of it on coins in about 1525-1530.

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 08:48 PM

This p;age has some nice information. This page says the harp as a distinctive symbol of Ireland was introduced on the coinage by Henry VIII around 1526. The fact that Henry VIII used it on coins, doesn't mean that it's a horrible thing to use a harp as a symbol for Ireland. It was symbolic of Ireland long before Henry made it official.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: robomatic
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 09:16 PM

I saw somewhere that the harp is an ancient symbol for Israel, though the symbol I saw was different from the Irish harp, more symmetrical.

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 10:34 PM

Joe, thanks for the websites, and thanks, too, to everyone else for their input. I'll hang on to the harp for awhile. Cheers,....mwh

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 01:09 AM

As the harp is intimately associated with Irish traditional music, I wonder why this thread was placed below, rather than above, the line?

Subject: RE: BS: Irish history help - please!
From: meself
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 09:09 AM

Henry VIII ordained it that way.