Celtic Culture & heritage

Launch of ‘Pobble’ Builds on Successful Growth in Manx Gaelic Language

Alastair Kneale's picture
Submitted by Alastair Kneale on October 6, 2013 - 6:34pm

Adrian Cain

‘Pobble’ is a Manx Gaelic word that translates into English as ‘People’. It is also the name given to a newly formed organisation on the Isle of Man/Mannin that seeks to promote the Manx language. The remarkable success in the growth of Manx Gaelic has attracted international interest for a number of years. ‘Pobble’ seeks to build on that success by firmly anchoring the language into all aspects of Manx community and business life.

Speaking to an enthusiastic audience at the official launch of ‘Pobble’ in Douglas, the islands capital, on 28th September, Adrian Cain, Manx Language Development Officer for Manx Heritage Foundation, outlined the aims and objectives of ‘Pobble’. Adrian spoke of the importance of continuing to expand the growth in Manx Gaelic and ensure that people understand its importance to the culture, economy and identity of the Isle of Man. ‘Pobble’ will help to ensure that those involved in the language movement continue to spread the message and build on the successes already achieved. The 'Pobble' Prospectus can be downloaded here.

Solace Breaks New Ground in Manx Gaelic Films

Submitted by Valerie Caine on October 1, 2013 - 6:42pm

Margaret Ine Quane

A ground-breaking new film, spoken entirely in Manx Gaelic, will be premiered at the Broadway Cinema in Douglas as part of the MannIN Shorts series before being shown at various Island locations, Celtic festivals and film festivals around the world.

Based on the true story of Manxwoman Margaret Ine Quane (or Quaine), who along with her son was accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death, it’s taken from an original script by Nathan Russell-Raby who was struck by the power of her story whilst on an organised Ghost Walk around Castletown. The use of the prefix Ine was a common practise prior to the mid-seventeenth century and was a Gaelic contraction meaning ‘daughter’, which later fell out of use.

Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival 2013

Submitted by Valerie Caine on October 1, 2013 - 6:40pm

Manx cow

Back in the grounds of the Villa Marina in Douglas after a brief sojourn at Knockaloe on the west coast, this year’s Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival attracted many people wanting to learn more about Manx produce and meet The Fabulous Baker Brothers.

Interview with Natalie MacMaster: Keeping the Culture Alive with a Fiddle

Emmett McIntyre's picture
Submitted by Emmett McIntyre on September 25, 2013 - 8:41pm

Natalie MacMaster

The legacy of immigration in the 1800's from Scotland to the Canadian province of Nova Scotia is evidenced in the strength of the cultural traditions that survive and which today are experiencing a renaissance.  The musical traditions that flourish in the Cape Breton region of this Maritime province are most closely associated with the Fiddle. Cape Breton Fiddling, internationally renowned as a distinctive musical genre, is enjoying immense commercial success. Known for its fiercely individualistic musical style it is a dynamic musical genre that is changing with the generations of new fiddlers as they join the ranks.

Transceltic are honoured to have had the opportunity to interview Natalie MacMaster who, with two Grammy nominations, numerous music awards and multiple Gold Albums, is an internationally renowned fiddler in the forefront of the revival of Scots Gaelic musical traditions of Cape Breton. MacMaster is more than the take-away from her image of a polished, beautiful super star of popular Celtic culture. She is also Cape Breton musical royalty; the niece of the legendary Buddy MacMaster, married to Donnell Leahy of the award winning Leahy Family Band and himself a fiddler, and cousin to members of the MacIsaac family who boast several successful fiddlers.  In a biographical sketch of her uncle Buddy written by Paul MacDonald it was noted that Natalie’s grandmother was accomplished at lilting, a form of traditional singing common to the Gaelic speaking areas of Ireland and Scotland, and would sing these magical songs for her family in her home. Thus, the musical talent, fame and success has come by her “honestly”.

St Piran’s Chapel & Well, Trethevy

Submitted by Myghal Map Serpren on September 18, 2013 - 6:22pm

St Piran's Chapel and Well

Cornwall has often been referred to as the ‘Land of the Saints’. The late artist John Miller’s great painting displayed in Truro Cathedral is indeed entitled ‘Cornubia – Land of the Saints’ and shows the Duchy bathed beneath a heavenly light.

One such Saint who arrived on our northern shores around 490AD was Piran, the patron of tinners and now of all Cornwall. The legend is that he floated across from Ireland upon a millstone.

His emblem, the white cross on a black background has become recognised as the Cornish flag and he is widely celebrated on 5th March annually, his feast day.

Although his main connections appear to be in the west of Cornwall, he is also remembered in the village of Trethevy close to Tintagel where there is a well and chapel dedicated to him.

Here can be found a medieval chapel possibly standing upon a 6th Century monastic settlement, which has also served as a barn. History reports that a Vicar of Tintagel called Gregory held mass in the building in 1457. During the subsequent bloodthirsty reformation, the building became a shelter for cattle.

A De-Tailed Account of Manx Cats

Submitted by Valerie Caine on September 16, 2013 - 7:55pm

Manx cats

Manx cats have long been a source of fascination to both curious onlookers and cat lovers alike, and although now more prevalent in the USA than the Isle of Man, this new book is likely to draw readers from both sides of the Atlantic.

Much has been written about their distinctive characteristics which doggedly link them with the Island, but this inexpensive, little volume would be a purr-fect addition to any bookshelf.

Split into bite-sized morsels devoted to the Manx cat’s history, their contemporary setting and folklore, Sara Goodwins has provided a gently humorous portrayal of this much-loved feline with its untroubled demeanour and curious traits. There’s a selection of anecdotes to whet your appetite and some interesting suggestions as to the possible origin of the singular Manx moggy, not only renowned for its physical attributes, but also as an excellent mouser.

Wolfe Tone

Submitted by Transceltic team on August 20, 2013 - 5:08pm

Theobald Wolfe Tone gravestone

A gravestone in a cemetery in Bodenstown, County Kildare, Ireland marks the resting place of Theobald Wolfe Tone (20 June 1763 – 19 November 1798).  Known as Wolfe Tone he is one of the founders of the United Irish Men and seen as the father of Irish republicanism. Every year on the last Sunday of June a pilgrimage is held at the cemetery in his honour.

Wolfe Tone is an important figure in Irish history. Born to a Protestant family in Dublin he is seen as the major figure in the early development of Irish republicanism. He qualified as a barrister after attending Trinity College Dublin and went on to become involved in Irish politics. This was at time when the ideas spread by the French Revolution were having a major influence internationally. Along with Thomas Russell, Napper Tandy and others he founded the Society of the United Irish Men in 1791. Developing from reformist objectives the society quickly began to promote the complete independence of Ireland from England.

Flags of the Celtic Nations

Alastair Kneale's picture
Submitted by Alastair Kneale on August 14, 2013 - 6:37pm

Find out about the fascinating stories behind each of the Celtic flags.

Ireland/Eire

Irish flag

The national flag of Ireland (Irish: bratach na hÉireann) is a vertical tricolour of green white and orange. It has been regarded as the national flag since it was raised above the General Post Office in Dublin during the 1916 Easter Rising. This was the rising of Irish republicans against British rule and the flag has been used by nationalists in the whole of the island of Ireland since then. It was adopted in 1919 by the Irish Republic during its war of independence, then by the Irish Free State (1922 – 1937) and given constitutional status in 1937.

The flags origins date back to 1848. It was presented to Thomas Francis Meagher (August 3 1823 – July 1 1867) when in France by a group who were sympathetic to Irish aspirations for independence. Thomas Francis Meagher was a founder member of the Irish Confederation, an Irish nationalist independence movement formed in 1847.

Celts and Vikings - Scandinavian Influences on the Celtic Nations

Alastair Kneale's picture
Submitted by Alastair Kneale on July 20, 2013 - 5:18pm

Viking carving

In the Celtic world, there are many Scandinavian influences. Within Scotland, Ireland and Isle of Man, the Vikings influences were mainly Norwegian. The Norwegians established significant settlements and then Kingdoms here. In Wales, there were recorded Viking raids and some evidence of small settlements. In Cornwall, strategic alliances were formed with Danish Vikings in order to defend Cornish lands from Anglo-Saxon incursion. Brittany experienced significant Viking raids and occupations. However, at times, strategic alliances were made, which can be viewed in the context of Breton resistance to Frankish expansionism and the complicated power struggle that existed during that period.

The Vikings in Scotland and Isle of Man

The Viking interventions began in the 8th century AD. The Islands of Scotland and the Isle of Man formed the Northern and Southern Isles. The Northern Isles of Shetland and Orkney were known to the Norse as Norðreyjar. The Southern Isles forming the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles (sometimes known as The Kingdom of the Isles) consisting of the Hebrides, the islands in the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Man were known as Suðreyjar.

A Celtic Tribal Celebration: Albannach, Brother and Rathkeltair at Celtic Fling

Emmett McIntyre's picture
Submitted by Emmett McIntyre on July 17, 2013 - 9:19pm

View of audience gathering at the Celtic Fling and Highland Games

The Celtic Fling and Highland Games at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is one of the Major Celtic Festivals in the mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United Sates and Transceltic were the guests of the 2013 event organisers the weekend of June 21st. The driving force of the festival is the music, the Celtic bands that traffic in the language of the culture. The line-up included Seven Nations, Kilmaine Saints, Enter The Haggis, Scythian, Town Pants, Amarch, Ramblin Rose, Neidfyre, Seasons, Barby Holder and an appearance by the hugely successful Gaelic Storm.

Albannach & Brother – Bronach

Bronach logo

Sharing the stage at one of the festivals twelve stages, under the banner “Outlawed Tunes on Outlawed Pipes”, were the incomparable Scottish band “Albannach” and the Australian Celtic band “Brother”. These two bands are closely associated having just come off the April 2013 “Bronach Tour” of Scotland with another planned for 2014. 

Brother have uniquely placed their Celtic Stamp on indigenous Australian music. The Festival brochure aptly describes Brother as follows: “Fusing signature vocals and the deep pulse of the didgeridoo, the soaring highs of the bagpipes and tribal percussion”. The lead singer Angus Richardson is a steady hand that guides this energetic performance. The bands Piper makes it seem the most natural thing in the world to have the Pipes soaring into the canopy of trees whilst being dogged by the didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by indigenous Australians about 1500 years ago.

Pages

Subscribe to Celtic Culture & heritage