Why a Harp

The Celtic or Irish harp has been an important emblem of Irish nationalism since the 10th Century. Its origin is from the time of Brian Boru, a famous 'High King' of Ireland who played the harp. In Celtic society every clan would have a resident harp player who would write songs in honor of their leader. This evolved and would eventually be adapted as a symbol and representation of the Irish people. For centuries, the harp was an integral part of Irish life. Traveling harpists in Ireland, were known to be at the focal point of rebellions - so much so that the harp was banned and suppressed to near extinction. During the late 20th century, the traditional Irish folk harp saw an amazing resurgence with the help of harpists like Derek Bell of the Chieftains.

The earliest surviving harps from Ireland date to about the 15th century. The Trinity College harp, one of Ireland's national treasures, is the harp from which the national symbol of Ireland is copied. The characteristic shape of an Irish Harp can be found on all things Irish including coins, the Ireland Coast of Arms and, of course Guiness Beer.

Finnegans Wake proudly displays the beloved Irish symbol on its sign, a tradition begun back in 1393, when the king demanded that pub owners hang signs: “Whosoever shall brew ale in the town with intention of selling it must hang out a sign, otherwise he shall forfeit his ale. ” The practice may have had less to do with identification for inspectors who “sampled” the quality of ale than with the general illiteracy of the masses, who could identify a pub by its picture if not its name. Finnegans Wake honors its Irish roots with the harp–the national emblem of Ireland.