Traditional Irish clothing and its Celtic influence
The dramatic historic events that have occurred in Ireland have made an everlasting impact on the country’s traditional clothing. From English colonization to the migration to the United States of America, has had a significant influence on the nation’s traditional attire and how it is perceived by both the Irish and the people of other nationalities. Not only that, but this traditional clothing is also highly influenced by the country’s Celtic origins and culture. Today, we’ll look at the three of the most well-known traditional Celtic apparel garments, as well as the influences and events that shaped them into what they are today.
The kilt
One of the traditional Irish garments is the kilt, the so-called man’s skirt which most people associate with Scotland, without being aware that this clothing was also widely popular among the Irish men back in the 20th century. Although similar, the Scottish and Irish kilts are very different, especially when it comes to their symbolism. The traditional kilt which is associated with Ireland is the Saffron Kilt, which has a distinctive mustard yellow color and was worn as a sign of the aim towards the independence of the country from England. As a result, English officials prohibited the use of that color in English clothing in order to prevent any public expressions of sympathy for the Irish. Today, kilts are still widely worn and they often have shamrock appliques, the national symbol of Ireland.
Aran sweater
The Aran sweater, also known as the Irish or fisherman sweater, is another piece of traditional Irish attire that is said to have originated in the twentieth century. It is still one of the most distinctive Irish clothing that is known all over the world. Its history is both charming and complicated: they originated in the Aran Islands, as the name suggests, following the migration of people from all over the United Kingdom, and were produced by women for their fisherman husbands and fathers. Because they didn’t have access to fine textiles, these sweaters were made of thick, unprocessed local wool, which was water repellent, warm and insulating, which was just what the fisherman needed when they went out to sea. Aran sweaters in particular and Irish clothes in general, have a strong connection to Celtic mythology. For example, the designs and stitches used to make these jumpers today are centuries-old Celtic motifs: the honeycomb stitch signifies hard work and its sweet rewards, the diamond pattern represents wealth and a wish for good fortune, and the zig-zag stitch symbolizes life’s highs and lows. If you want to learn more about Celtic clothing, go to link, where you can find traditional Celtic clothing as well as facts on its history and significance.
Celtic Cloak
The last traditional Irish apparel that we’re going to discuss about today, but surely not the last one by importance is the Celtic cloak. This garment, also referred to as the Kinsale or the Irish cloak, has been worn in Ireland since prehistoric times, being especially popular in the 16th century. It was traditionally made of wool or melton and served as an outdoor garment for both men and women. These cloaks were so valuable to the Celts that they were passed down through the generations as bridal presents from mother to daughter. Celtic capes are now not only wonderful reminders of your ancestry, but they are also trendy and fashionable pieces in their own right. These clothing’ designs are inspired by Ireland’s landscapes, colors, and symbols, and they’re best suited for the fall season.
