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[[Image:O'Neill Red Hand.svg|thumb|Red Hand arms of O'Neill from National library of Ireland]]
[[Image:O'Neill Red Hand.svg|thumb|Red Hand arms of O'Neill from National library of Ireland]]
The Red Hand of Ulster is a symbol that is either derived from the [[O'Neill dynasty]], once the most prominent Irish clan in Ulster, or the [[Hand of God (art)|Dextra Dei]] of early Christian iconography. The gold background featuring a [[red cross]] comes from the coat of arms of the [[House of Burke|Burkes]], a [[Hiberno-Norman]] noble family.
The Red Hand of Ulster is a symbol that is either derived from the [[O'Neill dynasty]], once the most prominent Irish clan in Ulster, or the [[Hand of God (art)|Dextra Dei]] of early Christian iconography. The gold background featuring a [[red cross]] comes from the coat of arms of the [[House of Burke|Burkes]], a [[Hiberno-Norman]] noble family.

===Red hand===
{{Redirect|Red Hand||Red hand (disambiguation){{!}}Red hand}}

{{multiple image
| width = 150
| image1 = RedHandOfUlster DexterHand.png
| alt1 = Right hand
| image2 = RedHandOfUlster SinisterHand.png
| alt2 = Left hand
| footer = The Red Hand of Ulster, right and left hand versions
}}

The '''Red Hand of Ulster''' ({{lang-gle|Lámh Dhearg Uladh}}) is an Irish symbol used in [[heraldry]]<ref name="ireland.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/magazine/heraldry/tradition.htm|title=Irish Ancestors /Heraldic traditions|publisher=''The Irish Times''}}</ref> to denote the [[provinces of Ireland|Irish province]] of [[Ulster]].
It is an open hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward. It is usually shown as a right hand, but is sometimes a left hand, such as in the coats of arms of [[baronet]]s.

==Historical background==
[[File:O'Neill Red Hand.png|thumb|150px|Original Red Hand Seal of Ó Néill]]
The Red Hand is rooted in [[Gaelic Ireland|Gaelic culture]] and, although its origin and meaning is unknown, it is believed to date back to [[Celtic polytheism|pagan]] times.

The Red Hand is first documented in surviving records in the 13th-century, where it was used by the Hiberno-Norman de Burgh [[Earldom of Ulster|earls of Ulster]].<ref name="Schlegel747-9"/> It was [[Walter de Burgh, 1st Earl of Ulster|Walter de Burgh]] who became first [[Earl of Ulster]] in 1243 who combined the de Burgh cross with the Red Hand to create a flag that represented the Earldom of Ulster and later became the modern [[Flag of Ulster]].

It was afterwards adopted by the [[O'Neill dynasty|O'Neills]] (''Uí Néill'') when they assumed the ancient kingship of Ulster (''Ulaid''), inventing the title ''Rex Ultonie'' (king of Ulster) for themselves in 1317 and then claiming it unopposed from 1345 onwards.<ref name="Duffy231"/><ref name="Duffy481"/><ref name="Cornelius"/> An early Irish heraldic use in Ireland of the open right hand can be seen in the seal of [[Aodh Reamhar Ó Néill]], king of the Irish of Ulster, 1344–1364.<ref>National Library of Ireland Heraldry In Ireland</ref>

An early 15th-century poem by [[Maol Sheachluinn na n-Uirsgéal Ó hÚigínn|Mael Ó hÚigínn]] is named ''Lámh dhearg Éireann í Eachach'',<ref name="ORiain147-8"/><ref name="Simms"/> the first line of which is a variation of the title: ''"Lamh dhearg Éiriond Ibh Eathoch"'',<ref name="Simms"/> translated as "The Úí Eachach are the 'red hand' of Ireland".<ref name="McManus122"/> The [[Uí Echach Coba|Uí Eachach]] were one of the [[Cruthin]] tribes (known as the [[Dál nAraidi]] after 773<ref name="Croinin48"/>) that made up the ancient kingdom of [[Ulaid]].<ref name="Placenames"/><ref name="UUC003"/>

The Red Hand symbol is believed to have been used by the O'Neills during its [[Nine Years' War (Ireland)|Nine Years' War]] (1594–1603) against [[Tudor conquest of Ireland|English rule in Ireland]], and the [[Battle cry|war cry]] ''lámh dearg Éireann abú!'' ("the Red Hand of Ireland forever") was also associated with them.<ref name="TheONeill179"/> An English writer of the time noted "The Ancient Red Hand of Ulster, the bloody Red Hand, a terrible cognizance! And in allusion to that terrible cognizance- the battle cry of Lamh dearg abu!"<ref name="Cornelius">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books/content?id=VzagAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA122&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U19tgX2DkTgM3T5iYeNdZ9yV5D9RA&ci=142%2C736%2C755%2C569&edge=0|title=History of the Irish Brigades in the service of France|author=John Cornelius O'Callaghan|publisher=Cameron and Ferguson}}</ref>

The Order of Baronets was instituted by letters patent dated 10 May 1612, which state that "the Baronets and their descendants shall and may bear, either in a canton in their coat of arms, or in an [[inescutcheon]], at their election, the arms of Ulster, that is, in a field argent, a hand gules, or a bloody hand."<ref name="Burtchaell418"/> The oldest baronets used a dexter (right) hand just like the O'Neills, however it later became a sinister (left) hand.<ref name="Burtchaell418"/>

===Dispute over ownership===
The exclusive rights to the use of the Red Hand symbol has proved a matter of debate over the centuries, primarily whether it belonged to the [[O'Neill dynasty|O'Neills]] (''Uí Néill'') or the [[Magennis]]es (''Méig Aonghasa''). The O'Neills became the chief dynasty of the [[Cenél nEógain]] of the [[Northern Uí Néill]] and later the kings of Ulster, whilst the Magennises were the ruling dynasty of the [[Iveagh|Uí Eachach Cobo]], the chief dynasty of the Cruthin of Ulaid,<ref name="UUC003"/> and also head of the [[Clanna Rudraige]].<ref name="Keating728"/> A 16th-century poem noted disagreement between the ''"Síol Rúraí"'' (an alias for Clanna Rudraige) and the Northern Uí Néill.

A dispute, dated to 1689, arose between several Irish poets about whose claim to the Red Hand was the most legitimate.<ref name="Schlegel747-9"/><ref name="ORiain171"/><ref name="Williams64"/>
*[[Diarmaid Mac an Bhaird]], one of the last fully trained [[Irish bardic poetry|Irish bardic poets]],<ref name="Welsh"/> admonishes the claim of the O'Neills to the Red Hand, arguing that it rightly belongs to the Magennises, who should be allowed to keep it.<ref name="ORiain171"/> He supports his statement citing several medieval texts attributing it to [[Conall Cernach]], the legendary ancestor of the Uí Eachach Cobo.<ref name="ORiain171"/>
*[[Eoghan Ó Donnghaile]] refutes the ''Clanna Róigh'' (Clanna Rudraige) right to the symbol.<ref name="ORiain171"/> He cites a story based on the ''[[Lebor Gabála Érenn]]'' claiming that it belongs to the descendants of [[Érimón]], from whom [[Conn of the Hundred Battles]] and thus the O'Neills are said to descend.<ref name="ORiain171"/>
*Niall [[Mac Murchadha|Mac Muireadhaigh]] dismisses both these claims and states that the symbol belongs to the ''Clann Domhnaill'' (descended from the [[Three Collas]], the legendary ancestors of the [[Airgíalla]]).<ref name="ORiain171"/> Mac Muireadhaigh derides Ó Donnghaile as a fool and finds it deplorable that he is an author.<ref name="ORiain171"/>
Further poetic quatrains in the dispute were written by Mac an Baird, Ó Donnghaile, as well as by Mac an Bhaird's son Eoghain.<ref name="ORiain171"/> The [[Mac an Bhaird]]s appear to deride Ó Donnghaile as not having come from a hereditary bardic family and that he is of very low rank without honour, as well as hinting at his family's genealogical link to the O'Neills.<ref name="ORiain171"/>

Writing in 1908, the then head of the O'Neill clan says of the Red Hand: "History teaches us that already in pagan days it was adopted by the O'Neills from the Macgennis, who were princes in the north of Ireland region inhabited by them".<ref name="TheONeill180"/>

===Possible origins===
Those involved in the bardic dispute of 1689 claimed that the Red Hand symbol came from a legendary ancestor who put his bloodstained hand on a banner after victory in battle:
*Diarmaid Mac an Bhaird claimed that Conall Cernach (a mythical Ulaid hero from the [[Ulster Cycle]]) put his bloodied hand on a banner as he avenged the death of [[Cú Chulainn]] (another mythical Ulaid hero), and it has belonged to the descendants of Conall since then.<ref name="ORiain171"/> This he says is backed up by medieval texts such as the ''Scéla Mucce Meie Da Thó'' ("[[The Tale of Mac Da Thó's Pig]]"), the ''Leabhar Ultach'' (also known as the ''Senchas Ulad'' and ''Senchas Síl Ír''), and Ó hÚigínn's poem beginning ''Lámh Éireann í Eachach''.<ref name="ORiain171"/>
*Eoghan Ó Donnghaile, basing his tale on the ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'', claimed that after the [[Milesians (Irish)|Milesians]] defeated the [[Tuatha Dé Danann]], they are granted three precious objects, amongst them a banner bearing the red hand.<ref name="ORiain171"/> This banner eventually ended up without contest in the hands of the descendants of Míl's son [[Érimón]], from whom Conn of the Hundred Battles and thus the O'Neills are said to descend.<ref name="ORiain171"/> The surviving texts of the ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'' mention [[Four Treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann|four treasures]] but not a banner.<ref name="ORiain171"/>
*Niall Mac Muireadhaigh claimed that when the Three Collas [[Achaidh Leithdeircc|defeated the Ulaid]], that one of the Collas placed their bloodied hand on a banner taken from them.<ref name="ORiain171"/> He then states the Clann Domhnaill have used the symbol within his own time, and accepts the poem ''Lámh Éireann í Eachach''.<ref name="ORiain171"/> However according to historian Gordon Ó Riain, Mac Muireadhaigh has mistaken the ''í Eachach'' element to mean the descendants of [[Eochaid Doimlén|Echu Doimlén]], father of the Collas, when in fact it is in reference to Echu Coba, legendary ancestor of the Magennises.<ref name="ORiain171"/>

Historian Francis J. Bigger notes the use of a right hand by the O'Neills around 1335, and surmises that it may have been for them a symbol signifying divine assistance and strength, whilst also suggesting that the ancient [[Phoenicians]] may have brought the symbol to Ireland.<ref name="Bigger"/>

In medieval Irish literature, several real and legendary kings were given the byname 'red hand' or 'red handed' to signify that they were great warriors.<ref name="ohogain">Ó hÓgáin, Dáithí. ''Myth, Legend & Romance: An encyclopaedia of the Irish folk tradition''. Prentice Hall Press, 1991. pp.36-37</ref> One is the mythical High King of Ireland, [[Lugaid Lámderg]] (Lugaid the red handed), who according to [[Eugene O'Curry]] is cited in one Irish legend as being king of the Cruthin of Ulaid during the reign of the mythical [[Conchobar Mac Nessa]].<ref name="OCurry78-94"/><ref name="Schlegel728"/> The O'Neills believed in the Middle Ages that a [[Messianism|messianic]] 'red handed' king called Aodh Eangach would come to lead them and drive the English out of Ireland.<ref name="ohogain"/> In a 1901 edition of the ''All Ireland Review'', a writer called "M.M." suggests that the Red Hand is named after the founder of the Clanna Rudraige, [[Rudraige mac Sithrigi]],<ref name="MM"/> and that Rudraige's name may mean "red wrist".<ref name="MM"/> In another edition a "Y.M." suggests likewise, arguing that Rudraige's name means "red arm".<ref name="YM"/> They also suggest that the ''Cróeb Ruad'' (Red Branch) of ancient Ulaid may actually come from ''crob'' and ''ruadh'' (red hand).<ref name="YM"/>

In another legend which has become widespread, the first man to lay his hand on the province of Ulster would have claim to it.<ref name="EriksenJenkins2007">{{cite book|last1=Eriksen|first1=Thomas Hylland|authorlink1=Thomas Hylland Eriksen|last2=Jenkins|first2=Richard |title=Flag, Nation and Symbolism in Europe and America|year=2007|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-06696-4|page=81}}</ref> As a result the warriors rushed towards land with one chopping off his hand and throwing it over his comrades and thus winning the land.<ref name="EriksenJenkins2007"/> In some versions of the tale, the person who cuts off his hand belongs to the O'Neills, or is [[Niall of the Nine Hostages]] himself.{{cn|date=September 2017}} In other versions, the person is the mythical [[Érimón]].<ref>[http://www.baronetage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/RedHand.pdf The Red Hand of Ulster]</ref>

==='Red Hand' as a byname===
In medieval Irish literature, several real and legendary kings were given the byname 'red hand' or 'red handed' (''lámhdhearg'' or ''crobhdhearg''). It signified that they were a great warrior, their hand being red with the blood of their enemies.<ref name="ohogain"/>
*The ancient Irish god [[Nuada Airgetlám]] (Nuada the silver handed) was also known by the alias Nuada Derg Lamh, the red-handed, amongst other aliases.<ref name="Westropp145-7"/> Nuada is stated in the [[Book of Lecan]] as being the ancestor of the [[Eoganachta]] and [[Dál gCais]] of [[Munster]].<ref name="Westropp145-7"/>
*[[Lugaid Lámderg]] is a legendary figure who appears in the [[Book of Leinster]] and the "chaotic past" of the descent of the Dál gCais.<ref name="Westropp"/><ref name="Barry365"/> His epithet meaning "red hand", was transferred to Lugaid Meann around the start of the Irish historic period.<ref name="Westropp"/>
*Labraid Lámderg (red hand Labraid) is a character in the [[Fenian Cycle]] of [[Irish mythology]].<ref name="ireland.com"/><ref name="oxfordreference.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/search?q=Labraid%20L%C3%A1mderg|title=Search Results for Labraid Lámderg|publisher=Oxford Reference}}</ref>
*The Annals of the Four Masters mentions "Reachta Righdhearg" ([[Rechtaid Rígderg]]) as a [[High King of Ireland]].<ref name="Keating157"/> He gained the name "Righdhearg" according to Geoffrey Keating as he had an arm that was "exceeding Red".<ref name="Keating157"/> Reachta is listed as the great-grandson of "Lughaigdh Lamdhearg" (Lugaid Lámderg).<ref name="Keating157"/>
*[[Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair]], otherwise known as "Cathal the Red-Handed O'Conor", was a king of [[Connacht]] in the early 13th-century.<ref name="DND337"/> There is a poem that is attributed as having been composed between 1213 and Cathal's death in 1224, which makes frequent reference to Cathal's red hand.<ref name="Bergin"/>
*A Dermott Lamhdearg is cited by [[Meredith Hanmer]] in his "Chronicles of Ireland" (first published in 1633), as being a king of Leinster who fought a battle around the start of the 5th century against an army of marauders at Knocknigen near Dublin.<ref name="Hamilton252"/>
*The Kavanagh's of [[Borris, County Carlow]], descend from Dermot Kavanagh Lamhdearg, lord of [[St Mullin's]], the second son of Gerald Kavanagh, Lord of Ferns in 1431.<ref name="Armory"/> Gerald was descended from [[Domhnall Caomhánach]], a son of [[Diarmait Mac Murchada]], [[king of Leinster]].<ref name="Armory"/>
*The Cavenagh's of Kildare that became part of the [[Protestant Ascendancy]] are kin of the Kavanagh's of Borris and according to their own traditions claim descent from a Cathair Rua Caomhánach who was said to descend the Lámhdhearg (Red Hand) branch of the [[Caomhánach]] clan.<ref name="Cavanagh100"/>
*Quatran 78 of the classical Irish poem ''Carn Fraoich Soitheach na Saorchlann'', makes mention of the "''inghean ríogh lámhdhearg Laighean''", translated as "a descendant (lit. daughter) of the red-handed kings of Leinster".<ref name="McManus120"/> This poem, as well as the related poem ''Osnach Carad i gCluain Fraoch'', mention a Carn Lámha, the burial place of Fraoch's hand.<ref name="Fitzpatrick65"/>
*Gleoir Lamhderg, or Gleoir the red-handed, was a king of the Lamraighe and allegedly the step-father [[Fionn mac Cumhaill]] from the [[Fenian Cycle]] of Irish mythology.<ref name="Shearman209"/> The Lamraighe are claimed as descending from Lamha, a son of [[Conchobar mac Nessa]], a legendary king of Ulster.<ref name="Shearman209"/>

==Similar symbols==
The [[Dextera Dei]], or "Right Hand of God", is a symbol that appears on only three high crosses in Ireland: the [[Muiredach's High Cross|Cross of Muiredach]] at [[Monasterboice]]; the Cross of King [[Flann Sinna|Flann]] (also known as the Cross of the Scriptures) at [[Clonmacnoise]]; and the Cross in the Street of [[Abbey of Kells|Kells]].<ref name="Bigger"/> The former two have the full hand with fingers extended similar to the Red Hand.<ref name="Bigger"/> The form and position of the Kells Dextera Dei is of a pattern usually found on the Continent, whereas that used at Monasterboice and Clonmacnoise appears to unique within Christendom.<ref name="Bigger"/>

The Dextera Dei is suggested by Francis J. Bigger as representing the old-world figurative expression of signifying strength and power, and such hand symbols can be found in ancient civilisations including amongst others the [[Assyria]]ns, [[Babylonians]], [[Carthaginians]], [[Chaldaea|Chaldeans]] and Phoenicians.<ref name="Bigger"/> It is also used by Jews, Muslims, and can be found in use in [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]] and [[Morocco]].<ref name="Bigger"/> [[Aboriginal Australians]] revered the hands of their deceased chieftains.<ref name="Bigger"/> Another historian, F. J. Elworthy, according to Bigger, conclusively proved the ancient character and widespread usage of the symbol amongst early pagan civilisations.<ref name="Bigger"/>

According to [[Charles Vallancey]] in 1788, a red hand pointing upwards was the armorial symbol of the kings of Ireland, and that it was still in use by the O'Brien family, whose motto was ''Lamh laidir an uachdar'', meaning "the strong hand up" or "the strong hand will prevail".<ref name="Vallancey59"/> Hands feature prominently in Dermot O'Connor's 18th-century publication "Blazons and Irish Heraldic Terminology", with the [[Ó Fearghail]] sept bearing the motto ''Lámh dhearg air chlogad lúptha''.<ref name="Williams68"/>

==Modern usage==
{{Refimprove-section|date=September 2017}}
[[File:Monaghan county arms.png|150|px|thumb|right|Coat of Arms of Monaghan]]
The form in common use is an open right ([[Dexter and sinister|dexter]]) hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward.

[[Coats of arms]] used by those whose surnames are of Uí Néill descent – [[Donnelly (surname)|Ó Donnghaile]], [[Ó Catháin]], [[McHugh|Mac Aodha]], Ó Dálaigh, Ó Maéilsheachlainn and Ó Ceatharnaigh, to name just a few – all feature the Red Hand in some form. On the Ó Néill and Donnelly coat of arms featuring the Red Hand, the motto is ''Lámh Dhearg Éireann'' (Red Hand of Ireland).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.araltas.com/features/oneill/|title=O Neill, Neill, Neale, Neil|publisher=Araltas.com}}</ref> The arms of the chiefs of the Scottish [[Clan MacNeil]] (of [[Barra]]) contain the Red Hand; the clan has traditionally claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. Many other families have used the Red Hand to highlight an Ulster ancestry. The head of the [[Guinness family]], the [[Earl of Iveagh]], has three Red Hands on his arms granted as recently as 1891.<ref>Burke's Peerage, London 2003, sub "Iveagh"</ref>

The Red Hand is present on a number of Ulster counties crests such as [[County Antrim|Antrim]], [[County Cavan|Cavan]], [[County Londonderry|Londonderry]], [[County Monaghan|Monaghan]] and [[County Tyrone|Tyrone]]. It was later included in the now abolished Government of [[Ulster Banner|Northern Ireland flag]]. It is also used by many other official and non-official organisations throughout the province of [[Ulster]] and the rest of [[Ireland]].

The arms of [[The Honourable The Irish Society|The Irish Society]] that carried out the [[Plantation of Ulster]] feature the Red Hand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/plantation/planters/es04.shtml|title=Wars and Conflicts – Plantation of Ulster – English and Scottish Planters – The London Companies|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

The Red Hand can be regarded as one of the very few cross-community symbols used in Northern Ireland (which makes up 6 of Ulster's 9 Counties) crossing the sectarian political divide. Due to its roots as a Gaelic Irish symbol, [[Irish nationalism|nationalist]]/[[Irish republicanism|republican]] groups have used (and continue to use) it – for example the republican [[Irish Citizen Army]], the republican [[National Graves Association, Belfast]], the [[Irish Transport and General Workers Union]], the [[Ulster GAA]] association [[Ulster GAA|GAA clubs in Ulster]]. Other organisations within the nine counties of Ulster and also supported within the political sectarian divide, use it happily in the six Ulster counties within Northern Ireland, such as the [[Ulster Hockey Union]], these are supported from both sides of the community- nationalist and unionist. As the most identifiable symbol of Ulster, at the start of the 20th century it has also been used by Northern Ireland's [[Ulster unionism|unionists]] and [[Ulster loyalism|loyalists]], such as its use in the [[Ulster Covenant]] (1912) and in the arms of the [[Executive Committee of the Privy Council of Northern Ireland|Government of Northern Ireland]] (from 1922 and now abolished), the [[Ulster Banner]] (the former flag of the Northern Ireland government), the [[Ulster Volunteers]] and [[Ulster loyalism|loyalist]] paramilitary groups based only within Northern Ireland such as the [[Ulster Volunteer Force]] and [[Ulster Defence Association]] among others.

==={{anchor|Baronets}}Baronets===
[[File:Coat of Arms of Alan Brooke, 3rd Viscount Brookeborough.svg|thumb|310px|The arms of the [[Viscount Brookeborough]] indicate the viscount is also a [[Brooke baronets|baronet]]: ''Or, a cross engrailed per pale gules and sable, a crescent for difference''.<ref name="burke">{{cite book |title= Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knighthood|publisher=Burke's Peerage & Gentry |editor= Mosley, Charles |edition=107 |year= 2003 |page=524 |ref=Burke |isbn=0-9711966-2-1}}</ref>]]
A left ([[Dexter and sinister|sinister]]) Red Hand is an option for [[baronet]]s to add to their arms to indicate their rank. The [[College of Arms]] formally allowed this in 1835, ruling that the baronets of England, Ireland, Great Britain or the United Kingdom may "bear either a [[Canton (heraldry)|canton]] in their coat of arms, or in an escutcheon, at their pleasure, the arms of Ulster (to wit) a Hand Gules or a Bloody Hand in a Field Argent."<ref name="pixley">{{cite book|last1=Pixley, F.S.A|first1=Francis W.|title=A History of The Baronetage|date=2016|origyear=1900|isbn=9780956815750|pages=262-269|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EvWaCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA269|accessdate=6 July 2017|language=en}}</ref> It is [[blazon]]ed as follows: ''A hand sinister couped at the wrist extended in pale gules''.<ref>Collins, Arthur, ''The English Baronetage: Containing a Genealogical and Historical Account of all the English Baronets now Existing'', Volume 4, London, 1741, p.287[https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=KmUUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA287&lpg=PA287&dq=hand+sinister+couped+at+the+wrist+extended+in+pale+gules&source=bl&ots=AcGmDGehFv&sig=AoWv76JgaueM_lf797ujAIXnc30&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=hand%20sinister%20couped%20at%20the%20wrist%20extended%20in%20pale%20gules&f=false]</ref>

[[King James I of England]] established the hereditary Order of Baronets in England on 22 May 1611, in the words of Collins (1741): "for the plantation and protection of the whole Kingdom of Ireland, but more especially for the defence and security of the Province of Ulster, and therefore for their distinction those of this order and their descendants may bear (the Red Hand of Ulster) in their coats of arms either in a canton or an escutcheon at their election".<ref>Collins, 1741, vol.4, p.287</ref> Such baronets may also display the Red Hand of Ulster on its own as a [[badge (heraldry)|badge]], suspended by a ribbon below the shield of arms.<ref>''Debrett's Peerage'', 1968, p.1235</ref> [[Baronets of Nova Scotia]], unlike other baronets, do not use the Red Hand of Ulster, but have their own badge showing the [[Royal Arms of Scotland]] on a shield over the [[Saltire of St Andrew]].<ref name="pixley"/> The left-hand version has also been used by the [[Irish National Foresters]], the Irish Citizen Army and the [[Federated Workers' Union of Ireland]].

===Examples===
<gallery>
Image:Flag of Ulster.svg|The flag of the province of Ulster
Image:Four Provinces Flag.svg|Four Provinces Flag of Ireland
Image:Ulster banner.svg|The flag of the Northern Ireland parliament (1953–1972)
Image:BaronetUK-cropped.jpg|Badge worn by baronets of the United Kingdom
Image:Curti-Siegel 1699 Anna Helena v. Curti geb. Schenck zu Schweinsberg-Carl Wilhelm v. Curti.JPG|[[Seal (emblem)|Seal]] with left hand for the [[Curtius baronets]]
Image:RailwayGNRsymbol colored.jpg|The coat of arms of the [[Great Northern Railway (Ireland)|GNR]].
Image:Sean_Gaynor_Grave_Milltown.jpg|Republican National Graves Association, Belfast
Image:Arms of ONeill.svg|Arms of [[O'Neill Hall]] at the [[University of Notre Dame]]
File:Arms_of_McGuinness.svg|Arms of [[Magennis]] of [[Iveagh]]
Image:Arms of MacCartan.svg|Arms of [[McCartan]], a branch of the Magennis
</gallery>

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
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*{{Cite book |last=Fitzpatrick|first=Elizabeth|title=Royal Inauguration in Gaelic Ireland C. 1100–1600: A Cultural Landscape Study|year=2004|publisher=Boydell Press|isbn=9781843830900}}
*{{Cite book |title=Medieval Ireland An Encyclopedia|last=Duffy|first=Seán |publisher=Routledge|year=2005|isbn=0-415-94052-4}}
*{{Cite book |title=On "A North House," in the Demesne of Hampton, and the Opening of a Tumulus near Knockingen|last=Hamilton|first=G. A.|publisher=Royal Irish Academy|volume=Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (1836-1869), Vol. 3 (1844–1847), pp. 249–252}}
*{{Cite book |title=The General History of Ireland|publisher=J. Bettenham|year=1723|last=Keating|first=Geoffrey}}
*{{Cite book |title=Keating's History of Ireland|first=Geoffrey|last=Keating|year=1983|publisher=Irish Genealogical Foundation|isbn=978-0-686-44360-5}}
*{{Cite book |title=The "Three Waves" of Ancient Erin|first=M.|last=M.|publisher=All Ireland Review|volume=Vol. 2, No. 24 (Jun. 29, 1901), pp. 184-185|year=1901}}
*{{Cite book |title=Surnames and Scions: Adjectival Qualification of Christian Names and Cognomina in Classical Irish Poetry|first=Damian|last=McManus|volume=Ériu, Vol. 63, pp. 117–143|year=2013|publisher=Royal Irish Academy}}
*{{Cite book |first=Dáibhí|last=Ó Cróinín|title=Early Medieval Ireland 400–1200|year=1995|publisher=Longman}}
*{{Cite book|title=On the Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish, III|isbn=978-1163577769|year=2010|publisher=Kessinger Publishing|first=Eugene|last=O'Curry}}
*{{Cite book |first1=John|last1=O'Daly|first2=John|last2=O'Donovan|title=Inauguration of Cathal Crobhdhearg O'Conor, King of Connaught|volume=Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 335–347|publisher=Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland|year=1853}}
*{{Cite book |last=O'Neill|first=The|title=The Heraldic Emblem of Ireland|publisher=Ulster Archaeological Society|year=1908|volume=Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Second Series, Vol. 14, No. 4 (Nov.), pp. 178–180}}
*{{Cite book |last=Ó Riain|first=Gordon|year=2011|title=VARIA III. Quatrains relating to the controversy of the Red Hand|publisher=Royal Irish Academy|volume=Ériu, Vol. 61, pp. 171–178}}
*{{Cite book |last=Ó Riain|first=Gordon|year=2013|title=VARIA I|publisher=Royal Irish Academy|volume=Ériu, Vol. 63, pp. 145–153}}
*{{Cite book |title=Reweaving the Tapestry of Ancient Ulster|last=Schlegel|first=Donald M.|volume=Clogher Record|publisher=Clogher Historical Society|year=2002|page=747-9}}
*{{Cite book|last=Shearman|first=J. F.|title=Loca Patriciana: Part XI. St. Patrick's Progress into Ossory-Disertum Patricii, Martartech in Magh Roighne – Patrician Missionaries in Ossory, Their Churches, Killamorey: St. Ciaran,First Bishop and Patron of Ossory: His Period, &c., &c.: Notices of Some Saints of the Raceof the Ossorians|publisher=Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland|volume=The Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland,Fourth Series, Vol. 4, No. 29 (Jan.), pp. 188–245|year=1877}}
*{{Cite book |title=Oxford Concise Companion to Irish Literature|first=Robert|last=Welsh|year=1996|ISBN=0-19-280080-9}}
*{{Cite book |title=The Earthworks, Traditions, and the Gods of South-Eastern Co. Limerick, Especially from Knocklong to Temair Erann|last=Westropp|first=Thomas Johnson|publisher=Royal Irish Academy|volume=Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy: Archaeology, Culture, History, Literature, Vol. 34 (1917–1919), pp. 127–183}}
*{{Cite book |title=Dermot O'Connor's Blazons and Irish Heraldic Terminology|first=N. J. A.|last=Williams|publisher=Eighteenth-Century Ireland Society|volume=Eighteenth-Century Ireland / Iris an dá chultúr, Vol. 5, pp. 61–88|year=1990}}
*{{Cite book |title=Description of an Ancient Monument in the Church of Lusk in the County of Dublin|last=Vallancey|first=Charles|publisher=Royal Irish Academy|volume=The Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 2, pp. 57–68|year=1788}}
*{{Cite book |last=M.|first=Y.|title=Annals of the Four Masters|publisher=All Ireland Review|volume=Vol. 2, No. 14 (Apr. 20), pp. 102–103|year=1901}}
{{refend|2}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Barry365">Barry, p. 365.</ref>
<ref name="Bigger">Bigger, pp. 79–84.</ref>
<ref name="Bergin">Bergin.</ref>
<ref name="Armory">Burke, p. 552.</ref>
<ref name="Burtchaell418">Burtchaell, p. 418.</ref>
<ref name="Cavanagh100">Cavanagh, p. 100.</ref>
<ref name="Croinin48">Ó Cróinín, p. 48.</ref>
<ref name="DND337">O'Daly & O'Donovan, p. 337.</ref>
<ref name="Duffy231">Duffy, p. 231</ref>
<ref name="Duffy481">Duffy, p. 481.</ref>
<ref name="Fitzpatrick65">Fitzpatrick, p. 65.</ref>
<ref name="Hamilton252">Hamilton, p. 252.</ref>
<ref name="Keating157">Keating (1723), p. 157.</ref>
<ref name="Keating728">Keating (1983), p. 728.</ref>
<ref name="MM">M.M., p. 184.</ref>
<ref name="McManus120">McManus, p. 120.</ref>
<ref name="McManus122">McManus, p. 122.</ref>
<ref name="OCurry78-94">O'Curry, pp. 78–94.</ref>
<ref name="ORiain171">Ó Riain (2011), p. 171.</ref>
<ref name="ORiain147-8">Ó Riain (2013), pp. 147–8.</ref>
<ref name="Placenames">{{Cite web |url=http://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=17705|title=Iveagh|author=Place Names NI|access-date=1 September 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="Schlegel728">Schlegel, p. 728.</ref>
<ref name="Schlegel747-9">Schlegel, pp. 747–9.</ref>
<ref name="Shearman209">Shearman, p. 209.</ref>
<ref name="Simms">[https://bardic.celt.dias.ie/ Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies] – ''1185. Lamh dhearg Eireann Uibh Eathach''; Dr Katharine Simms, Department of History, Trinity College Dublin</ref>
<ref name="TheONeill179">O'Neill, p. 179.</ref>
<ref name="TheONeill180">O'Neill, p. 180.</ref>
<ref name="Vallancey59">Vallancey, p. 59.</ref>
<ref name="Welsh">Welsh</ref>
<ref name="Westropp">Westropp, p. 134.</ref>
<ref name="Westropp145-7">Westropp, pp. 145–7.</ref>
<ref name="Williams64">Williams, p. 64.</ref>
<ref name="Williams68">Williams, p. 68.</ref>
<ref name="UUC003">[http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/E900000-003/text003.html University College Cork] – Early Irish Population-Groups: Their Nomenclature, Classification, and Chronology. Section 3, Sept-Names</ref>
<ref name="YM">Y.M., p. 102.</ref>
}}

==See also==
*[[Saint Ultan]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Red Hand Of Ulster}}
[[Category:Heraldic charges]]
[[Category:Northern Irish heraldry]]
[[Category:Ulster]]
[[Category:Red symbols|Hand of Ulster, Red]]


== History ==
== History ==

Revision as of 14:02, 30 December 2018

Coat of arms of Ulster
ArmigerUlster

The coat of arms of Ulster consists of an inescutcheon Argent displaying the red hand of Ulster, upon the coat of arms of the House of Burke.

Design

Red Hand arms of O'Neill from National library of Ireland

The Red Hand of Ulster is a symbol that is either derived from the O'Neill dynasty, once the most prominent Irish clan in Ulster, or the Dextra Dei of early Christian iconography. The gold background featuring a red cross comes from the coat of arms of the Burkes, a Hiberno-Norman noble family.

Red hand

"Red Hand" redirects here. For other uses, see Red hand.
Right hand
Left hand
The Red Hand of Ulster, right and left hand versions

The Red Hand of Ulster (Irish: Lámh Dhearg Uladh) is an Irish symbol used in heraldry[1] to denote the Irish province of Ulster. It is an open hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward. It is usually shown as a right hand, but is sometimes a left hand, such as in the coats of arms of baronets.

Historical background

Original Red Hand Seal of Ó Néill

The Red Hand is rooted in Gaelic culture and, although its origin and meaning is unknown, it is believed to date back to pagan times.

The Red Hand is first documented in surviving records in the 13th-century, where it was used by the Hiberno-Norman de Burgh earls of Ulster.[2] It was Walter de Burgh who became first Earl of Ulster in 1243 who combined the de Burgh cross with the Red Hand to create a flag that represented the Earldom of Ulster and later became the modern Flag of Ulster.

It was afterwards adopted by the O'Neills (Uí Néill) when they assumed the ancient kingship of Ulster (Ulaid), inventing the title Rex Ultonie (king of Ulster) for themselves in 1317 and then claiming it unopposed from 1345 onwards.[3][4][5] An early Irish heraldic use in Ireland of the open right hand can be seen in the seal of Aodh Reamhar Ó Néill, king of the Irish of Ulster, 1344–1364.[6]

An early 15th-century poem by Mael Ó hÚigínn is named Lámh dhearg Éireann í Eachach,[7][8] the first line of which is a variation of the title: "Lamh dhearg Éiriond Ibh Eathoch",[8] translated as "The Úí Eachach are the 'red hand' of Ireland".[9] The Uí Eachach were one of the Cruthin tribes (known as the Dál nAraidi after 773[10]) that made up the ancient kingdom of Ulaid.[11][12]

The Red Hand symbol is believed to have been used by the O'Neills during its Nine Years' War (1594–1603) against English rule in Ireland, and the war cry lámh dearg Éireann abú! ("the Red Hand of Ireland forever") was also associated with them.[13] An English writer of the time noted "The Ancient Red Hand of Ulster, the bloody Red Hand, a terrible cognizance! And in allusion to that terrible cognizance- the battle cry of Lamh dearg abu!"[5]

The Order of Baronets was instituted by letters patent dated 10 May 1612, which state that "the Baronets and their descendants shall and may bear, either in a canton in their coat of arms, or in an inescutcheon, at their election, the arms of Ulster, that is, in a field argent, a hand gules, or a bloody hand."[14] The oldest baronets used a dexter (right) hand just like the O'Neills, however it later became a sinister (left) hand.[14]

Dispute over ownership

The exclusive rights to the use of the Red Hand symbol has proved a matter of debate over the centuries, primarily whether it belonged to the O'Neills (Uí Néill) or the Magennises (Méig Aonghasa). The O'Neills became the chief dynasty of the Cenél nEógain of the Northern Uí Néill and later the kings of Ulster, whilst the Magennises were the ruling dynasty of the Uí Eachach Cobo, the chief dynasty of the Cruthin of Ulaid,[12] and also head of the Clanna Rudraige.[15] A 16th-century poem noted disagreement between the "Síol Rúraí" (an alias for Clanna Rudraige) and the Northern Uí Néill.

A dispute, dated to 1689, arose between several Irish poets about whose claim to the Red Hand was the most legitimate.[2][16][17]

Further poetic quatrains in the dispute were written by Mac an Baird, Ó Donnghaile, as well as by Mac an Bhaird's son Eoghain.[16] The Mac an Bhairds appear to deride Ó Donnghaile as not having come from a hereditary bardic family and that he is of very low rank without honour, as well as hinting at his family's genealogical link to the O'Neills.[16]

Writing in 1908, the then head of the O'Neill clan says of the Red Hand: "History teaches us that already in pagan days it was adopted by the O'Neills from the Macgennis, who were princes in the north of Ireland region inhabited by them".[19]

Possible origins

Those involved in the bardic dispute of 1689 claimed that the Red Hand symbol came from a legendary ancestor who put his bloodstained hand on a banner after victory in battle:

  • Diarmaid Mac an Bhaird claimed that Conall Cernach (a mythical Ulaid hero from the Ulster Cycle) put his bloodied hand on a banner as he avenged the death of Cú Chulainn (another mythical Ulaid hero), and it has belonged to the descendants of Conall since then.[16] This he says is backed up by medieval texts such as the Scéla Mucce Meie Da Thó ("The Tale of Mac Da Thó's Pig"), the Leabhar Ultach (also known as the Senchas Ulad and Senchas Síl Ír), and Ó hÚigínn's poem beginning Lámh Éireann í Eachach.[16]
  • Eoghan Ó Donnghaile, basing his tale on the Lebor Gabála Érenn, claimed that after the Milesians defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann, they are granted three precious objects, amongst them a banner bearing the red hand.[16] This banner eventually ended up without contest in the hands of the descendants of Míl's son Érimón, from whom Conn of the Hundred Battles and thus the O'Neills are said to descend.[16] The surviving texts of the Lebor Gabála Érenn mention four treasures but not a banner.[16]
  • Niall Mac Muireadhaigh claimed that when the Three Collas defeated the Ulaid, that one of the Collas placed their bloodied hand on a banner taken from them.[16] He then states the Clann Domhnaill have used the symbol within his own time, and accepts the poem Lámh Éireann í Eachach.[16] However according to historian Gordon Ó Riain, Mac Muireadhaigh has mistaken the í Eachach element to mean the descendants of Echu Doimlén, father of the Collas, when in fact it is in reference to Echu Coba, legendary ancestor of the Magennises.[16]

Historian Francis J. Bigger notes the use of a right hand by the O'Neills around 1335, and surmises that it may have been for them a symbol signifying divine assistance and strength, whilst also suggesting that the ancient Phoenicians may have brought the symbol to Ireland.[20]

In medieval Irish literature, several real and legendary kings were given the byname 'red hand' or 'red handed' to signify that they were great warriors.[21] One is the mythical High King of Ireland, Lugaid Lámderg (Lugaid the red handed), who according to Eugene O'Curry is cited in one Irish legend as being king of the Cruthin of Ulaid during the reign of the mythical Conchobar Mac Nessa.[22][23] The O'Neills believed in the Middle Ages that a messianic 'red handed' king called Aodh Eangach would come to lead them and drive the English out of Ireland.[21] In a 1901 edition of the All Ireland Review, a writer called "M.M." suggests that the Red Hand is named after the founder of the Clanna Rudraige, Rudraige mac Sithrigi,[24] and that Rudraige's name may mean "red wrist".[24] In another edition a "Y.M." suggests likewise, arguing that Rudraige's name means "red arm".[25] They also suggest that the Cróeb Ruad (Red Branch) of ancient Ulaid may actually come from crob and ruadh (red hand).[25]

In another legend which has become widespread, the first man to lay his hand on the province of Ulster would have claim to it.[26] As a result the warriors rushed towards land with one chopping off his hand and throwing it over his comrades and thus winning the land.[26] In some versions of the tale, the person who cuts off his hand belongs to the O'Neills, or is Niall of the Nine Hostages himself.[citation needed] In other versions, the person is the mythical Érimón.[27]

'Red Hand' as a byname

In medieval Irish literature, several real and legendary kings were given the byname 'red hand' or 'red handed' (lámhdhearg or crobhdhearg). It signified that they were a great warrior, their hand being red with the blood of their enemies.[21]

  • The ancient Irish god Nuada Airgetlám (Nuada the silver handed) was also known by the alias Nuada Derg Lamh, the red-handed, amongst other aliases.[28] Nuada is stated in the Book of Lecan as being the ancestor of the Eoganachta and Dál gCais of Munster.[28]
  • Lugaid Lámderg is a legendary figure who appears in the Book of Leinster and the "chaotic past" of the descent of the Dál gCais.[29][30] His epithet meaning "red hand", was transferred to Lugaid Meann around the start of the Irish historic period.[29]
  • Labraid Lámderg (red hand Labraid) is a character in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.[1][31]
  • The Annals of the Four Masters mentions "Reachta Righdhearg" (Rechtaid Rígderg) as a High King of Ireland.[32] He gained the name "Righdhearg" according to Geoffrey Keating as he had an arm that was "exceeding Red".[32] Reachta is listed as the great-grandson of "Lughaigdh Lamdhearg" (Lugaid Lámderg).[32]
  • Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair, otherwise known as "Cathal the Red-Handed O'Conor", was a king of Connacht in the early 13th-century.[33] There is a poem that is attributed as having been composed between 1213 and Cathal's death in 1224, which makes frequent reference to Cathal's red hand.[34]
  • A Dermott Lamhdearg is cited by Meredith Hanmer in his "Chronicles of Ireland" (first published in 1633), as being a king of Leinster who fought a battle around the start of the 5th century against an army of marauders at Knocknigen near Dublin.[35]
  • The Kavanagh's of Borris, County Carlow, descend from Dermot Kavanagh Lamhdearg, lord of St Mullin's, the second son of Gerald Kavanagh, Lord of Ferns in 1431.[36] Gerald was descended from Domhnall Caomhánach, a son of Diarmait Mac Murchada, king of Leinster.[36]
  • The Cavenagh's of Kildare that became part of the Protestant Ascendancy are kin of the Kavanagh's of Borris and according to their own traditions claim descent from a Cathair Rua Caomhánach who was said to descend the Lámhdhearg (Red Hand) branch of the Caomhánach clan.[37]
  • Quatran 78 of the classical Irish poem Carn Fraoich Soitheach na Saorchlann, makes mention of the "inghean ríogh lámhdhearg Laighean", translated as "a descendant (lit. daughter) of the red-handed kings of Leinster".[38] This poem, as well as the related poem Osnach Carad i gCluain Fraoch, mention a Carn Lámha, the burial place of Fraoch's hand.[39]
  • Gleoir Lamhderg, or Gleoir the red-handed, was a king of the Lamraighe and allegedly the step-father Fionn mac Cumhaill from the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.[40] The Lamraighe are claimed as descending from Lamha, a son of Conchobar mac Nessa, a legendary king of Ulster.[40]

Similar symbols

The Dextera Dei, or "Right Hand of God", is a symbol that appears on only three high crosses in Ireland: the Cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice; the Cross of King Flann (also known as the Cross of the Scriptures) at Clonmacnoise; and the Cross in the Street of Kells.[20] The former two have the full hand with fingers extended similar to the Red Hand.[20] The form and position of the Kells Dextera Dei is of a pattern usually found on the Continent, whereas that used at Monasterboice and Clonmacnoise appears to unique within Christendom.[20]

The Dextera Dei is suggested by Francis J. Bigger as representing the old-world figurative expression of signifying strength and power, and such hand symbols can be found in ancient civilisations including amongst others the Assyrians, Babylonians, Carthaginians, Chaldeans and Phoenicians.[20] It is also used by Jews, Muslims, and can be found in use in Palestine and Morocco.[20] Aboriginal Australians revered the hands of their deceased chieftains.[20] Another historian, F. J. Elworthy, according to Bigger, conclusively proved the ancient character and widespread usage of the symbol amongst early pagan civilisations.[20]

According to Charles Vallancey in 1788, a red hand pointing upwards was the armorial symbol of the kings of Ireland, and that it was still in use by the O'Brien family, whose motto was Lamh laidir an uachdar, meaning "the strong hand up" or "the strong hand will prevail".[41] Hands feature prominently in Dermot O'Connor's 18th-century publication "Blazons and Irish Heraldic Terminology", with the Ó Fearghail sept bearing the motto Lámh dhearg air chlogad lúptha.[42]

Modern usage

Coat of Arms of Monaghan

The form in common use is an open right (dexter) hand coloured red, with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb held parallel to the fingers, and the palm facing forward.

Coats of arms used by those whose surnames are of Uí Néill descent – Ó Donnghaile, Ó Catháin, Mac Aodha, Ó Dálaigh, Ó Maéilsheachlainn and Ó Ceatharnaigh, to name just a few – all feature the Red Hand in some form. On the Ó Néill and Donnelly coat of arms featuring the Red Hand, the motto is Lámh Dhearg Éireann (Red Hand of Ireland).[43] The arms of the chiefs of the Scottish Clan MacNeil (of Barra) contain the Red Hand; the clan has traditionally claimed descent from Niall of the Nine Hostages. Many other families have used the Red Hand to highlight an Ulster ancestry. The head of the Guinness family, the Earl of Iveagh, has three Red Hands on his arms granted as recently as 1891.[44]

The Red Hand is present on a number of Ulster counties crests such as Antrim, Cavan, Londonderry, Monaghan and Tyrone. It was later included in the now abolished Government of Northern Ireland flag. It is also used by many other official and non-official organisations throughout the province of Ulster and the rest of Ireland.

The arms of The Irish Society that carried out the Plantation of Ulster feature the Red Hand.[45]

The Red Hand can be regarded as one of the very few cross-community symbols used in Northern Ireland (which makes up 6 of Ulster's 9 Counties) crossing the sectarian political divide. Due to its roots as a Gaelic Irish symbol, nationalist/republican groups have used (and continue to use) it – for example the republican Irish Citizen Army, the republican National Graves Association, Belfast, the Irish Transport and General Workers Union, the Ulster GAA association GAA clubs in Ulster. Other organisations within the nine counties of Ulster and also supported within the political sectarian divide, use it happily in the six Ulster counties within Northern Ireland, such as the Ulster Hockey Union, these are supported from both sides of the community- nationalist and unionist. As the most identifiable symbol of Ulster, at the start of the 20th century it has also been used by Northern Ireland's unionists and loyalists, such as its use in the Ulster Covenant (1912) and in the arms of the Government of Northern Ireland (from 1922 and now abolished), the Ulster Banner (the former flag of the Northern Ireland government), the Ulster Volunteers and loyalist paramilitary groups based only within Northern Ireland such as the Ulster Volunteer Force and Ulster Defence Association among others.

Baronets

The arms of the Viscount Brookeborough indicate the viscount is also a baronet: Or, a cross engrailed per pale gules and sable, a crescent for difference.[46]

A left (sinister) Red Hand is an option for baronets to add to their arms to indicate their rank. The College of Arms formally allowed this in 1835, ruling that the baronets of England, Ireland, Great Britain or the United Kingdom may "bear either a canton in their coat of arms, or in an escutcheon, at their pleasure, the arms of Ulster (to wit) a Hand Gules or a Bloody Hand in a Field Argent."[47] It is blazoned as follows: A hand sinister couped at the wrist extended in pale gules.[48]

King James I of England established the hereditary Order of Baronets in England on 22 May 1611, in the words of Collins (1741): "for the plantation and protection of the whole Kingdom of Ireland, but more especially for the defence and security of the Province of Ulster, and therefore for their distinction those of this order and their descendants may bear (the Red Hand of Ulster) in their coats of arms either in a canton or an escutcheon at their election".[49] Such baronets may also display the Red Hand of Ulster on its own as a badge, suspended by a ribbon below the shield of arms.[50] Baronets of Nova Scotia, unlike other baronets, do not use the Red Hand of Ulster, but have their own badge showing the Royal Arms of Scotland on a shield over the Saltire of St Andrew.[47] The left-hand version has also been used by the Irish National Foresters, the Irish Citizen Army and the Federated Workers' Union of Ireland.

Examples

  • The flag of the province of Ulster
    The flag of the province of Ulster
  • Four Provinces Flag of Ireland
    Four Provinces Flag of Ireland
  • The flag of the Northern Ireland parliament (1953–1972)
    The flag of the Northern Ireland parliament (1953–1972)
  • Badge worn by baronets of the United Kingdom
    Badge worn by baronets of the United Kingdom
  • Seal with left hand for the Curtius baronets
    Seal with left hand for the Curtius baronets
  • The coat of arms of the GNR.
    The coat of arms of the GNR.
  • Republican National Graves Association, Belfast
    Republican National Graves Association, Belfast
  • Arms of O'Neill Hall at the University of Notre Dame
    Arms of O'Neill Hall at the University of Notre Dame
  • Arms of Magennis of Iveagh
    Arms of Magennis of Iveagh
  • Arms of McCartan, a branch of the Magennis
    Arms of McCartan, a branch of the Magennis

Bibliography

  • Barry, E. (1895). On Ogham-Stones Seen in Kilkenny County. Vol. The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Fifth Series, Vol. 5, No. 4 (Dec.), pp. 348–368. Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
  • Bergin, Osborn (1925). Unpublished Irish Poems. XXIX: On Cathal Redhand. Vol. Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review, Vol. 14, No. 53 (Mar.), pp. 61–65. Irish Province of the Society of Jesus.
  • Bigger, Francis J. (1902). The Dextera Dei Sculptured on the High Crosses of Ireland. Vol. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (1889–1901), Vol. 6 (1900–1902). Royal Irish Academy.
  • Burke, Bernard (2009). The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, Comprising a Registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time. Heritage Books.
  • Burtchaell, G. D. (1902). Badge of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. Vol. The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Fifth Series, Vol. 32, No. 4, [Fifth Series, Vol. 12] (Dec. 31), pp. 415–418. Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
  • Cavanagh, Cathal (2006). Miscellaneous Stories of Caomhánachs in Exile. Vol. The Past: The Organ of the Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society, No. 27, pp. 96–105. Uí Cinsealaigh Historical Society.
  • Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth (2004). Royal Inauguration in Gaelic Ireland C. 1100–1600: A Cultural Landscape Study. Boydell Press. ISBN 9781843830900.
  • Duffy, Seán (2005). Medieval Ireland An Encyclopedia. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-94052-4.
  • Hamilton, G. A. On "A North House," in the Demesne of Hampton, and the Opening of a Tumulus near Knockingen. Vol. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (1836-1869), Vol. 3 (1844–1847), pp. 249–252. Royal Irish Academy.
  • Keating, Geoffrey (1723). The General History of Ireland. J. Bettenham.
  • Keating, Geoffrey (1983). Keating's History of Ireland. Irish Genealogical Foundation. ISBN 978-0-686-44360-5.
  • M., M. (1901). The "Three Waves" of Ancient Erin. Vol. Vol. 2, No. 24 (Jun. 29, 1901), pp. 184-185. All Ireland Review. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help)
  • McManus, Damian (2013). Surnames and Scions: Adjectival Qualification of Christian Names and Cognomina in Classical Irish Poetry. Vol. Ériu, Vol. 63, pp. 117–143. Royal Irish Academy.
  • Ó Cróinín, Dáibhí (1995). Early Medieval Ireland 400–1200. Longman.
  • O'Curry, Eugene (2010). On the Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish, III. Kessinger Publishing. ISBN 978-1163577769.
  • O'Daly, John; O'Donovan, John (1853). Inauguration of Cathal Crobhdhearg O'Conor, King of Connaught. Vol. Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 335–347. Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
  • O'Neill, The (1908). The Heraldic Emblem of Ireland. Vol. Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Second Series, Vol. 14, No. 4 (Nov.), pp. 178–180. Ulster Archaeological Society.
  • Ó Riain, Gordon (2011). VARIA III. Quatrains relating to the controversy of the Red Hand. Vol. Ériu, Vol. 61, pp. 171–178. Royal Irish Academy.
  • Ó Riain, Gordon (2013). VARIA I. Vol. Ériu, Vol. 63, pp. 145–153. Royal Irish Academy.
  • Schlegel, Donald M. (2002). Reweaving the Tapestry of Ancient Ulster. Vol. Clogher Record. Clogher Historical Society. p. 747-9.
  • Shearman, J. F. (1877). Loca Patriciana: Part XI. St. Patrick's Progress into Ossory-Disertum Patricii, Martartech in Magh Roighne – Patrician Missionaries in Ossory, Their Churches, Killamorey: St. Ciaran,First Bishop and Patron of Ossory: His Period, &c., &c.: Notices of Some Saints of the Raceof the Ossorians. Vol. The Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland, Fourth Series, Vol. 4, No. 29 (Jan.), pp. 188–245. Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
  • Welsh, Robert (1996). Oxford Concise Companion to Irish Literature. ISBN 0-19-280080-9.
  • Westropp, Thomas Johnson. The Earthworks, Traditions, and the Gods of South-Eastern Co. Limerick, Especially from Knocklong to Temair Erann. Vol. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy: Archaeology, Culture, History, Literature, Vol. 34 (1917–1919), pp. 127–183. Royal Irish Academy.
  • Williams, N. J. A. (1990). Dermot O'Connor's Blazons and Irish Heraldic Terminology. Vol. Eighteenth-Century Ireland / Iris an dá chultúr, Vol. 5, pp. 61–88. Eighteenth-Century Ireland Society.
  • Vallancey, Charles (1788). Description of an Ancient Monument in the Church of Lusk in the County of Dublin. Vol. The Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 2, pp. 57–68. Royal Irish Academy.
  • M., Y. (1901). Annals of the Four Masters. Vol. Vol. 2, No. 14 (Apr. 20), pp. 102–103. All Ireland Review. {{cite book}}: |volume= has extra text (help)

References

  1. ^ a b "Irish Ancestors /Heraldic traditions". The Irish Times. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b Schlegel, pp. 747–9.
  3. ^ Duffy, p. 231
  4. ^ Duffy, p. 481.
  5. ^ a b John Cornelius O'Callaghan. "History of the Irish Brigades in the service of France". Cameron and Ferguson.
  6. ^ National Library of Ireland Heraldry In Ireland
  7. ^ Ó Riain (2013), pp. 147–8.
  8. ^ a b Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies – 1185. Lamh dhearg Eireann Uibh Eathach; Dr Katharine Simms, Department of History, Trinity College Dublin
  9. ^ McManus, p. 122.
  10. ^ Ó Cróinín, p. 48.
  11. ^ Place Names NI. "Iveagh". Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  12. ^ a b University College Cork – Early Irish Population-Groups: Their Nomenclature, Classification, and Chronology. Section 3, Sept-Names
  13. ^ O'Neill, p. 179.
  14. ^ a b Burtchaell, p. 418.
  15. ^ Keating (1983), p. 728.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Ó Riain (2011), p. 171.
  17. ^ Williams, p. 64.
  18. ^ Welsh
  19. ^ O'Neill, p. 180.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h Bigger, pp. 79–84.
  21. ^ a b c Ó hÓgáin, Dáithí. Myth, Legend & Romance: An encyclopaedia of the Irish folk tradition. Prentice Hall Press, 1991. pp.36-37
  22. ^ O'Curry, pp. 78–94.
  23. ^ Schlegel, p. 728.
  24. ^ a b M.M., p. 184.
  25. ^ a b Y.M., p. 102.
  26. ^ a b Eriksen, Thomas Hylland; Jenkins, Richard (2007). Flag, Nation and Symbolism in Europe and America. Routledge. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-134-06696-4.
  27. ^ The Red Hand of Ulster
  28. ^ a b Westropp, pp. 145–7.
  29. ^ a b Westropp, p. 134.
  30. ^ Barry, p. 365.
  31. ^ "Search Results for Labraid Lámderg". Oxford Reference.
  32. ^ a b c Keating (1723), p. 157.
  33. ^ O'Daly & O'Donovan, p. 337.
  34. ^ Bergin.
  35. ^ Hamilton, p. 252.
  36. ^ a b Burke, p. 552.
  37. ^ Cavanagh, p. 100.
  38. ^ McManus, p. 120.
  39. ^ Fitzpatrick, p. 65.
  40. ^ a b Shearman, p. 209.
  41. ^ Vallancey, p. 59.
  42. ^ Williams, p. 68.
  43. ^ "O Neill, Neill, Neale, Neil". Araltas.com.
  44. ^ Burke's Peerage, London 2003, sub "Iveagh"
  45. ^ "Wars and Conflicts – Plantation of Ulster – English and Scottish Planters – The London Companies". BBC.
  46. ^ Mosley, Charles, ed. (2003). Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knighthood (107 ed.). Burke's Peerage & Gentry. p. 524. ISBN 0-9711966-2-1.
  47. ^ a b Pixley, F.S.A, Francis W. (2016) [1900]. A History of The Baronetage. pp. 262–269. ISBN 9780956815750. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  48. ^ Collins, Arthur, The English Baronetage: Containing a Genealogical and Historical Account of all the English Baronets now Existing, Volume 4, London, 1741, p.287[1]
  49. ^ Collins, 1741, vol.4, p.287
  50. ^ Debrett's Peerage, 1968, p.1235

See also

History

Arms of De Burgh[1]

The arms of the historic province of Ulster is a composite achievement, combining the heraldic symbols of two of that province's best known families, namely the cross of de Burgh and the red hand motif adopted by the O Neill (Ua Néill, later Ó Néill) Kings of Ailech and Tír Eoghan.

The 'Red Hand' badge of O'Neill was probably grounded on a theme in Gaelic culture. An early heraldic use in Ireland of the open right hand can be seen in the seal of Aodh Ó Néill, King of the Irish of Ulster, 1344-1364.[2]

When Walter de Burgh, Lord of Connacht, became Earl of Ulster in 1243 the de Burgh cross became inseparably linked with the Hiberno-Norman Earldom of Ulster, which spanned over a third of the province. The seal of his son Richard, for example, appended to a deed dated 1282, shows the heraldic cross in triplicate together with what may well be a portrait head of the Earl himself. At some point the Red Hand motif was appended to the de Burgh cross, the result eventually coming to represent the entire province.

Forms and uses

The arms of Ulster is usually displayed alongside the arms of Leinster, Munster, Connacht, or as part of the combined arms of the Provinces of Ireland. The arms is the official arms of the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association and the Ulster rugby team, and is part of the IRFU four provinces arms and the Ireland hockey team arms.

  • Four Provinces Arms of Ireland
    Four Provinces Arms of Ireland
  • Ireland Rugby Union Arms
    Ireland Rugby Union Arms
  • Ireland Hockey Team Flag
    Ireland Hockey Team Flag

See also

References

  1. ^ The Arms of Ireland: Medieval and Modern,” The Coat of Arms IX
  2. ^ National Library of Ireland Heraldry In Ireland

External links

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