Harp

:Harp is also a slang term for the diatonic harmonica; see blues harp. See also Jew's harp.

As a symbol

Political

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The harp has been used as a political symbol of Ireland for centuries. It was used to symbolise Ireland in the Royal Standard of King James VI/I of Scotland, England and Ireland in 1603 and had continued to feature on all English, British and United Kingdom Royal Standards ever since, though the style of harp used differed on some Royal Standards. It was also used on the Commonwealth Jack of Oliver Cromwell, issued in 1649 and on the Protectorate Jack issued in 1658 as well as on the Lord Protector's Standard issued on the succession of Richard Cromwell in 1658. The harp is also traditionally used on the flag of Leinster.

Related Topics:
Ireland - Royal Standard - James VI/I - 1603 - English - British - United Kingdom - Commonwealth Jack - Oliver Cromwell - 1649 - Protectorate Jack - 1658 - Lord Protector's Standard - Richard Cromwell - Leinster

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Independent Ireland continued to use the harp as its state symbol on the Great Seal of the Irish Free State, featuring it both on the coat of arms and on the Presidential Standard and Presidential Seal - as well as on various other official seals and documents. The harp also appears on Irish coinage from the Middle Ages to the current Irish euro coins.

Related Topics:
Great Seal of the Irish Free State - Coat of arms - Presidential - Standard - Presidential Seal - Irish coinage - Middle Ages - Irish euro coins

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:See also: Coat of Arms of the Republic of Ireland

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Corporate

The harp is also used extensively as a corporate logo - both private and government organisations. For instance; Ireland's most famous drink, Guinness, also uses a harp, but in reverse and also less detailed than the state arms - Harp Lager is also produced by Guinness and uses the harp.

Related Topics:
Corporate logo - Private - Government - Guinness - Harp Lager

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Relatively new organisations also use the harp, but often modified to reflect a theme relevant to their organisation, for instance; Ryanair uses a modified harp, somewhat in the form of an angel taking flight, and the State Examinations Commission uses it with an educational theme.

Related Topics:
Theme - Ryanair - Angel - State Examinations Commission - Educational

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Other organisations in Ireland use the harp, but not always prominently; these include the National University of Ireland and the associated University College Dublin, and the Gaelic Athletic Association. In Northern Ireland the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Queen's University of Belfast use the harp as part of their identity.

Related Topics:
National University of Ireland - University College Dublin - Gaelic Athletic Association - Northern Ireland - Police Service of Northern Ireland - Queen's University of Belfast

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