Meaning Of Symbols And Designs On A Bodhran
The bodhran is a musical instrument with a universal purpose. It is literally a skin tray and is very popular in the Celtic world like Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has been in existence and in use for more than a thousand years in so many ways. Bodhrans are suitable for winnowing and still being used for such purpose in some third world countries like India and Africa.
The frame drum or bodhran appears like a sieve for those who are not familiar with this instrument. To some who are unfamiliar with this will simply see it as a skin tray. At any rate, this musical thing can be used as a sieve by punching holes in the skin. It practically looks like a sifter like that one being used for construction materials. This musical instrument falls under the percussion type and this is the favorite drum of the Irish people.
There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14" to 26" to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the "tipper" is used which is held in one hand.
The bodhrans are not only musical instruments but functional working tools as well. The name of this instrument is derived from the Irish word "bodhar" which means deaf. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is likewise referred to as the "frame drum" because of the manner it is made with the use of soft wood that can be easily bent and the use of animal skin for its frame cover. It also popularly known as the Irish or Celtic drum.
The drums are commonly associated with beating and loud sound. However, the bodhran is not like most drums for it plays a soft sound often giving an impression of dullness. It sounds deep and can be played in many styles ranging from the traditional Irish rhythm to the modern beat. You can likewise play with this instrument according to your personal style. The variations in sounds depend on the tapping on the skin or rim and in the movement of the hands.
The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.
In Ireland, the bodhran is used in religious and cultural festivals such as "The Wren Hunt". The festivity is about the hunting for a wren which is done by groups of people wearing costumes with blackened faces and go bring on parade the captured bird from house to house. During the parade the frame drum plays while people sing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral represents the past, present and future and has become the symbol of eternal life. It represents the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. All the symbols carry significant meanings which are also symbolisms adapted for rituals or ceremonies using the bodhran. - 18423
The frame drum or bodhran appears like a sieve for those who are not familiar with this instrument. To some who are unfamiliar with this will simply see it as a skin tray. At any rate, this musical thing can be used as a sieve by punching holes in the skin. It practically looks like a sifter like that one being used for construction materials. This musical instrument falls under the percussion type and this is the favorite drum of the Irish people.
There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14" to 26" to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the "tipper" is used which is held in one hand.
The bodhrans are not only musical instruments but functional working tools as well. The name of this instrument is derived from the Irish word "bodhar" which means deaf. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is likewise referred to as the "frame drum" because of the manner it is made with the use of soft wood that can be easily bent and the use of animal skin for its frame cover. It also popularly known as the Irish or Celtic drum.
The drums are commonly associated with beating and loud sound. However, the bodhran is not like most drums for it plays a soft sound often giving an impression of dullness. It sounds deep and can be played in many styles ranging from the traditional Irish rhythm to the modern beat. You can likewise play with this instrument according to your personal style. The variations in sounds depend on the tapping on the skin or rim and in the movement of the hands.
The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.
In Ireland, the bodhran is used in religious and cultural festivals such as "The Wren Hunt". The festivity is about the hunting for a wren which is done by groups of people wearing costumes with blackened faces and go bring on parade the captured bird from house to house. During the parade the frame drum plays while people sing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral represents the past, present and future and has become the symbol of eternal life. It represents the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. All the symbols carry significant meanings which are also symbolisms adapted for rituals or ceremonies using the bodhran. - 18423
About the Author:
If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you shuold try bodhran. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try celtic harps.
posted by X - Men at
4:56 AM
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