What exactly is the Harp of Ireland, and why is it on the Guiness sign and on the Royal Arms?

Question

What exactly is the Harp of Ireland, and why is it on the Guiness sign and on the Royal Arms?

Answer 1

It's one of a number of musical instruments descended from a long line of instruments believed to have been inspired from the sound of a plucked bow. It's origins are sketchy but it's believed to have been an evolution of the lyre, which was popular in the middle east up to 5000 years ago. The vertical triangular harp we are familiar with appeared sometime around the 9th century AD and was very popular in western europe. It is possible that the harp was being played in Ireland by this time. The real development of harp melodies such as jigs, reels and planxties came from the Italian baroque influence on music throughout europe. 17th and 18th Century Composers and players such as O' Carolan studied these styles intensely and gave them their own interpretation. In many ways, these are the earliest origins of what we now call Irish Music, which eventually became favoured on the more portable fiddle. For a long time there was no distinct difference between fiddle music played in Ireland, England or Scotland but eventually styles emerged and the Irish tunes retained the flavour of O' Carolans compositions. It was probably this historic significance that led to it being adopted as a national symbol.

Answer 2

It's the national symbol of Ireland, much like the bald eagle on the seal of the United States of America symbolizes the US. Harps have always been a popular symbol of Ireland.

On the Guinness label it is reversed, so it is similar but not the same as the national symbol. Guinness had used it first as the Republic is younger than Guinness.

Answer 3

See Squirrel's answer.

Answer 4

and Guinness took it from the flag, cos that is where the company started.

Answer 5

The Irish Celts were well known for their music. In the days when Celtic music was around the Harp became a symbol of Irish tradition and has lived on through the ages.

Answer 6

Its just our national symbol for our love of music

Answer 7

The harp of Ireland is national musical instrument (like Scotland= bagpipes)

it's on those symbols and also on  our coins because it is a national symbol, it represents our Country, it shows pride in being Irish and also hints at our love of Music.

Answer 8

Its Irelands musical symbol and as such is on our beer and Irelands coat of arms and of course Irelands national drink

Its not unlike the shamrock in many ways