It’s impossible to summarize the pain of the people that live on this Island. It seems that from the beginning there have always been people that wanted to live here. The Vikings (from Scandinavia) invaded Ireland in 795. They were short on land in the 700’s and went out as conquerors looking for more space. The Normans, the English, and others followed their invasion. It’s a very long story. It was the Vikings that founded the city of Dublin on the Liffey River and their influence still is present today.
The established monasteries attempted to withstand the invasions. One of the characteristics of these monasteries was the High Cross. (See picture.)
It was customary for monasteries to display a wooden cross, but from the 700s onwards it became common to carve them from stone. Some had Biblical scenes carved on them, to assist in teaching the largely illiterate population. Some have speculated that they were made so large to prevent the Vikings from stealing them or knocking them down, although this is purely a guess. My picture on the left shows the High Cross at Monasterboice, county Louth. I visited there on May 9th. The High Tower behind the cross was also used as a refuge during invasions.
The English attempted to take over the island and make it part of “Great Britain.” British settlers were brought over to start colonies. They attempted to take over the whole island. It didn’t work.
The “Troubles” are mistakenly termed a war between Catholics and Protestants. It’s in reality those that want to have British rule over the island (most of which are Protestants) and those that want National (Irish) rule (most are Catholics.) Religion really has little to do with this. As usual, it’s “politics!”
Ireland’s current “troubles” has a very long story that carries much pain and hardship going back to the 10th Century. It appears that now most want to live together in peace. There’s still much lack of trust, some prejudice and some “extremists” stirring the pot on both sides. There has been good efforts made but there’s still much to do.
The established monasteries attempted to withstand the invasions. One of the characteristics of these monasteries was the High Cross. (See picture.)
It was customary for monasteries to display a wooden cross, but from the 700s onwards it became common to carve them from stone. Some had Biblical scenes carved on them, to assist in teaching the largely illiterate population. Some have speculated that they were made so large to prevent the Vikings from stealing them or knocking them down, although this is purely a guess. My picture on the left shows the High Cross at Monasterboice, county Louth. I visited there on May 9th. The High Tower behind the cross was also used as a refuge during invasions.
The English attempted to take over the island and make it part of “Great Britain.” British settlers were brought over to start colonies. They attempted to take over the whole island. It didn’t work.
The “Troubles” are mistakenly termed a war between Catholics and Protestants. It’s in reality those that want to have British rule over the island (most of which are Protestants) and those that want National (Irish) rule (most are Catholics.) Religion really has little to do with this. As usual, it’s “politics!”
Ireland’s current “troubles” has a very long story that carries much pain and hardship going back to the 10th Century. It appears that now most want to live together in peace. There’s still much lack of trust, some prejudice and some “extremists” stirring the pot on both sides. There has been good efforts made but there’s still much to do.
2 comments:
Oh how interesting! I can't wait to see all your pictures!
Keeping you in prayer during your stay in Ireland.
Janet Hopper
My thoughts are with you every day.
The entire family prays for you every day.
I hope this sabbatical give you more than you ever expected.
Jim Rogan
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