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From: "Bernard" <>
Subject: RE: Irish Flag
Date: Sun, 07 May 2000 00:25:52 GMT


I'm no expert on the Irish, but I've got Irish ancestry and have developed a
strong appreciation for things being Irish.

The harp, to my understanding, is not a flattering symbol to Ireland. It
represents Englands dominance of Ireland - England plays Ireland like a
harp, pulling her strings to make it work. I would like to think that it
has another meaning, and maybe it does, but that's one I was told.
I know the harp adds a beautiful dimension to Irish music.

With respect to the colors of the Irish flag to date, the green has come to
symbolize Roman Catholicism in Ireland whereas the Orange symbolizes
Protestantism.
William of Orange, an English prince and a protestant, had won a major
battle against James II, his brother, and supporter of the Papacy in Rome,
for dominance of Ireland. Thus, that's where the orange comes from. That
battle 4 centuries ago is the genesis of the troubles that plague the north
of Ireland today.

go n-eiri an bothar leat

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