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.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and designs. Most players prefer the smaller size for it is easier it is to carry along. The size of the bodhran ranges from fourteen to twenty-six inches to suit to the player's preference. Sound is produced by the use of the hand or by the tipper. The tipper, which is a double-headed stick, is held in one hand and often used for very fast and complex beats.
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.
Beating and loud sound are commonly associated with the drums. But unlike most drums, the bodhran is one that produces a soft sound giving the impression of dullness. It has a deep tone and can be sounded in several styles like from the traditional Irish tempo to the modern rhythm. You can play with this musical instrument to a beat suitable to your personal taste. The sounds can be produced in varying degrees just by the tapping of the hand on the skin or rim and with the movement of your 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.
A very popular cultural festival in Ireland that uses the frame drum is known as "The Wren Hunt". This is about some groups of people wearing costumes and straw hats with blackened faces who go hunting for a wren. The captured wren will be brought to a parade house to house while playing the bodhran and people singing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The knotwork is a very common design you can see for it signifies the human soul which is believed to a soul of divination and man's eternal spiritual growth. All these symbols bear significant meanings which are related to the rites or ceremonies involved using the bodhran. - 23815
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.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and designs. Most players prefer the smaller size for it is easier it is to carry along. The size of the bodhran ranges from fourteen to twenty-six inches to suit to the player's preference. Sound is produced by the use of the hand or by the tipper. The tipper, which is a double-headed stick, is held in one hand and often used for very fast and complex beats.
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.
Beating and loud sound are commonly associated with the drums. But unlike most drums, the bodhran is one that produces a soft sound giving the impression of dullness. It has a deep tone and can be sounded in several styles like from the traditional Irish tempo to the modern rhythm. You can play with this musical instrument to a beat suitable to your personal taste. The sounds can be produced in varying degrees just by the tapping of the hand on the skin or rim and with the movement of your 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.
A very popular cultural festival in Ireland that uses the frame drum is known as "The Wren Hunt". This is about some groups of people wearing costumes and straw hats with blackened faces who go hunting for a wren. The captured wren will be brought to a parade house to house while playing the bodhran and people singing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The knotwork is a very common design you can see for it signifies the human soul which is believed to a soul of divination and man's eternal spiritual growth. All these symbols bear significant meanings which are related to the rites or ceremonies involved using the bodhran. - 23815
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 bagpipes.
posted by X - Men at
4:45 AM
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