St. Patrick – Patron Saint of Ireland

          St. Patrick was born in Scotland in 387 AD, and passed away March 17, 461.

At the age of 16, Patrick was captured by Naill of the Nine Hostages and was taken to Ireland where he was sold as a slave. His job was to be a shepard. While watching his flock of sheep, he turned to religion for solace becoming a devout Christian. After six years, Patrick received a divine message commanding him to return to his family. One night, a dream told him to leave and head south where a ship would be waiting for him. He walked 200 miles and boarded a ship to England. Upon arrival, he was captured and returned to slavery, but managed to escape after two months. He traveled Europe for the next seven years seeking out his destiny and expanding his education. He studied Christianity in France before returning to England as a priest. There, another dream told him to return to Ireland. Patrick became a Bishop in 432 and returned to Ireland to begin conversion.

Patrick lit a large fire to mark the beginning of Spring, Fires were forbidden until the King’s fire was complete. The King rushed out intending a war on those who defied his rule. However, Patrick impressed the King with his intention to spread the Gospel.
            To convince the King of his religion, Patrick referred to a shamrock, explaining that there was only one stem, but three branches representing the Blessed Trinity. The King was impressed and granted him permission to spread the word, although he himself did not convert. At the time, the people of Ireland were Pagans influenced by the Druids. Patrick drove paganism from the lands of Eirann. This is symbolized by the banishing of all snakes forever from Ireland.

          As a missionary, Patrick founded 100’s of churches which he visited and watched over until his death. Majority of what is known about St. Patrick comes from his two works, the Confession, and Epistola.

          Patrick died on March 17th , 461, at the age of 76. His remains are believed to be buried on Cathedral Hill in Downpatrick, County Down, North Ireland.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Clans Celts & Clover

The tree of Life was a central part of Celtic spirituality. Trees are a source of food, oxygen, and shelter and can be used for warmth. Trees are an essential part of life.

            Trees were not just inanimate objects, but living beings connected to us and believed to be ancestors of mankind. Sacred Trees had magic healing properties. Some acted as gateways to the Realm of the Fairies and to the Gods. Each letter in the Celtic Ogham alphabet represented a sacred tree.

            The most sacred tree was the Oak, which represented the center of the world. The Druids held their rituals surrounded by Oaks which brought them power and provided them with entry to the Otherworld. The Sacred Trees could reveal messages from the Gods.

            There are several legends involving Sacred Trees. In some instances, one would fall asleep next to a tree and awaken in the fairy world. Trees carried messages to the Otherworld, and could return blessings. Ribbons are often tied to trees in hope of being blessed with love, healing, and prosperity.

            During settlement clearings, a large tree was always left in the middle to embody the security and integrity of the people. Chieftan ceremonies were performed at the Sacred Tree to connect him to the heavens and the world below. Tribes gained power over their enemies by cutting down their Sacred Tree.

            Branches reach up to the Heavens and the roots dig deep into the earth connecting the world above and the world below. The trunks remain in our world, keeping us connected to the other worlds. The Tree of Life idea exists in many cultures and religions, as trees are necessary to sustain our lives.

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Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Clans Celts & Clover

Building Canada

In the beginning, Canada was a vast piece of land that had barely been examined. Many of the first explorers were Scots like David Mackenzie or Simon Fraser, who both mapped out a large part of the country. A Welshman named Sir Thomas Button led the first expedition for the Northwest Passage in 1612, while Welsh cartographer David Thompson is referred to as Canada’s Greatest Geographer. As more and more settlers came, it brought about the Hudson Bay Company and the North West Company, both crucial in mapping out the boundaries of Canada and pushing the borders to make Canada the shape and size it is today.

            While some voluntarily came to Canada for a new life and opportunities, other had little choice. Many Highland Scots were forced out due to clearing. Many Irish left to save themselves from starvation due to potato famine. For many, religious disputes were the cause for departure. Whatever the reason, thousands left home for a new world. Many ships were overcrowded and unsanitary, causing many deaths. Hit hardest by this were the Irish; many didn’t survive the journey. For those lucky enough to arrive safely, their new lives weren’t easy. The first settlers had to clear the land and prepare it to grow food and to build shelter. It was not easy and many returned home. Those courageous enough to stay managed to build a new life. Many new towns were created, often named after those who founded them or in reflection of where they came from.

            Canada began to take shape and Confederation came about in 1867, with Sir John A. MacDonald, a Scotsman, becoming our first Prime Minister. Irishman Thomas D’Arcy McGee was also a Father of Confederation. As the county grew, new developments and inventions came to light. The Scots gave us standard time, and the RCMP. They gave us advances in medicine including penicillin, anaesthetics, and hypodermic syringes. Many Irish were pivotal in building roads, canals and railroads. They explained why the sky is blue, gave us the binaural stethoscope, radiotherapy, and the modern tractor. The Welsh were pioneers in the use of radar, deep space photography, and mining advances. There is also evidence to suggest that a Welshman created the aeroplane before the Wright Brothers.

            Thanks to their hard work and determination, the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh people helped to make this country what it is today.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Clans on Broadway

Ancient Irish Treasures

Three of Ireland’s greatest treasures are on display at the National Museum in Dublin. The Tara Brooch, Ardagh Chalice, and Cross of Cong are all ancient metalwork pieces created over a thousand years ago.

The Tara Brooch was created in 700 AD. It was found in 1850 by a peasant woman. She sold it to a dealer who named it the Tara Brooch after the Hills of Tara. It was likely made for a wealthy male to show off his status. The brooch is made of gold, silver, copper, amber and glass with intricate filigree patterns. The beading contains designs of wolves heads and dragons faces. This is one of the most spectacular and well preserved finds.

The Ardagh Chalice is considered Ireland’s foremost treasure. It is also the finest example of 8th century metalwork. It was found in 1868 by 2 men digging for potatoes at a ring fort in Ardagh. Made of silver, bronze and gold, the chalice also features filigree patterns and stonework. Below the horizontal band are the names of the 12 apostles. It is believed that the chalice, along with a few other items, was buried in 1740 in a hurry to hide it from approaching soldiers. The Ardagh Chalice is the inspiration for Warrior Shield jewellery.

The Cross of Cong was made in 1123 under order of the High King of Ireland, Turlough O’Conor. It was used as a processional cross. The cross is oak covered in bronze with interlacing animals, many of which are snakes. There is a large crystal in the center which one could look through and see what is claimed to be a piece of the true cross. There is an inscription that addresses the true cross. The Cross of Cong was hidden in an oak chest in a church during the Reformation, and was later discovered by a Priest.

These three pieces show the skills of the craftsman as early as the 8th century. The intricate designs and metalwork make them true Irish treasures.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Clans Celts & Clover

The Battle of Culloden

The final clash of the Jacobites and Hanoverians on April 16, 1746 was the last land battle to be fought on mainland Britain. The Jacobites, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, believed that his father had a claim to the throne. The Hanoverian army was led by the Duke of Cumberland, son of King George II.

The Jacobites had won small victories and were in a position to threaten London. Fearing lack of support, they withdrew back to Scotland, a move that may have cost them victory. They reprovisioned and won the Battle of Falkirk. Meanwhile Cumberland’s army trained for the upcoming battle.

Cumberland’s army of nearly 9000 reached Nairn on April 14th. The 5400 Jacobites headed for Drummossie. The Jacobites tried a night attack on the Hanoverians on the 15th, but came up short and were forced to turn back.

April 16th was a cold day with strong gale winds. The Jacobites formed 2 lines in preparation for the approaching Hanoverians. Cumberland’s troops formed 3 lines, then thinned to 2. The Jacobites fired first, but had little impact.

Cumberland’s artillery knocked down the Jacobites, waiting for Charles’ order to charge. Finally, the order came, but the boggy ground pushed the attack to the walls, which Charles was warned about. The Highland charge broke through the government lines, but were met by rounds of gunfire. In only 60 minutes, the battle was over. Over 1250 Jacobites dead, many wounded and imprisoned. As for the Hanoverians, only 52 dead and 259 wounded.

After the battle, Cumberland sent his troops back to the battlefield to kill any survivors. A forged “no mercy” section of the orders led to men being killed on site and women raped. Many were left to starve and their livestock stolen and sold.

Bonnie Prince Charlie managed to hide in Scotland, despite the £30,000 reward for his capture. Eventually he fled to France, disguised as a “lady’s maid” to Flora MacDonald.

The Scottish Clan System was destroyed. They were disarmed by the Act of Proscription, the kilt and tartan were banned, the feudal bond of military service was ended, and the sovereignty of the Clan Chiefs were removed. More roads and barracks were built and a new fortress was built at Fort George to control the region. The Jacobites were defeated and the throne remained in the power of the English.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Clans Celts & Clover