Ireland Forever! -Postcard Friendship Friday #111

Over the years I've wondered about the meaning of Erin go Bragh and how that phrase relates to Ireland and St. Patrick's Day.  I finally thought to look it up.  Erin go Braugh is the English translation of an Irish phrase Eirinn go Brach.  It is used to express allegiance to Ireland.  It is most often translated as Ireland forever, literally Ireland til' doomsday--or the end of time.

Considering the long and sometimes tragic history of the Irish, their allegiance to their country touches my heart.  As Dad once told me, once you win the heart of an Irishman, it is yours forever.  Their fierce loyalty to family, friend and country is a beautiful thing.

I am sorry I've put this up a little late.  We are still recovering from a frightening chimney fire.

I'm expecting the crew of folks who are cleaning away smoke damage to be here shortly.  (grin)  I had no idea what went into cleaning up after a fire.

The crew has been cleaning every nook and cranny of our house for almost two weeks!  These wonderful hard-working ladies are hoping to be done today.  I am in awe of what they've accomplished.  I believe our old house is cleaner than it has been since it was built over 100 years ago!

Have a lovely weekend and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

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Golden Harp of Ireland -Guest Heart Thursday

It does my Irish heart good to see all the wonderful cards one can find celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  I especially love this golden heart-shaped harp.  To someday play the harp, is on my "Bucket List!" 

There is quite a history behind the harp and the Coat of Arms of Ireland which  is usually seen as a golden harp with silver strings, on a blue background.  References to this emblem as being the arms of the King of Ireland can be found as early as the 1300's. 

They were adopted by King Henry the 8th of England when he ended the period of Lordship of Ireland and declared Ireland to be a kingdom in 1541.  When the crowns of England, Scotland and Ireland were united as one in 1603, the harp was integrated into the unified royal coat of arms. 

This became was adopted as the emblem of the Irish Free State when it separated from the United Kingdom in 1922.  They were registered as the arms of Ireland with the Chief Herald of Ireland in November, 1945.  

Have a merry-hearted day and Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.