It has been said that everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrated for over a thousand years, this holiday marks the beginnings of the Spring season with outdoor festivities of parades, parties, and feasting. What began as a day to honor Ireland’s patron saint and national apostle, St. Patrick, the annual celebration has truly become global. From North America to Japan and Singapore to Russia, emerald-clad revelers all celebrate this centuries-old holiday.
While everyone is Irish on March 17, St. Patrick himself was not actually born in Ireland. Born in the 5th century in Roman Britain (what is today Wales), St. Patrick was captured as a slave and brought to Ireland. Bearing the legend of driving the highly symbolic snake out of Ireland, St. Patrick encompasses numerous stories and legends and tales that prevail today. During six years in captivity, St. Patrick grew spiritually, and wrote his seminal text The Confessions. Though he escaped his captors at the age of 20, the tides of Ireland drew him back and he returned to serve as a Christian missionary, eventually becoming Catholic Bishop. He converted many in Ireland, leaving an indelible mark on the land; by the 7th century he was considered the patron saint of Ireland, and was revered by all.
What began as Christian feast day grew and spread throughout the ages and across nations. In the early 1990s, the Republic of Ireland sought to highlight, revitalize, and showcase its nation’s rich culture and history. By transforming St. Patrick ’s Day into a lively weekend celebration, they created a festival that ranks among one of the greatest celebrations in the world.
St. Patrick’s Day gives us an opportunity to revisit Ireland’s rich culture and heritage, year after year. In the art and antiques world, we turn our eyes to Ireland’s particularly savvy and unique craftsmen. Decorative pieces by Belleek Pottery is a perfect example of the uniquely Irish creativity. Founded in 1884, the Belleek Pottery company began designing delicate and elegant pieces that mirror the sloping, elegant landscape of Northern Ireland’s land. Known for their trademark lace-like baskets, these rare pieces speak to the complexity and talent in Irish design. Other decorative pieces crafted by this revered company, from elegant tea sets to their ribbon-style vases, also mimic the same sophisticated and smart style for which the firm is known.
The ingenuity of Ireland’s great craftsmen also extends to the realm of furniture. Games tables, particularly, offer a glimpse into the fascinating realm of metamorphic furniture to which only the most elite had access. Whether opening to reveal a playing surface for dice or card games, or hiding various drawers for storage, games tables represent a trend in early nineteenth century Ireland that resulted in beautifully crafted, timeless pieces.
This St. Patrick’s Day, join us in celebrating Irish culture through the rich history of Irish antiques. With timeless styles and decorative pieces that epitomize Irish design and tradition, it is impossible to view Ireland and its century long celebrations as anything but remarkable.
