Meaning Of Symbols And Designs On A Bodhran
The bodhran is literally a skin tray with a universal purpose. It is very popular in the Celtic world like Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has been in use in so many ways for more than a thousand years. Bodhrans are suitable for separating chaffs from grains. Until this present time, this particular skin tray is still being used for winnowing in certain 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 name bodhran comes from the Irish word “bodhar” meaning deaf. It also known as the Irish or Celtic drum. The name can also mean as “tray”, “thundered”, “deafening”, and “dull-sounding”. It is otherwise known as a “frame drum” because of the way is created using soft wood that can be easily bent and animal skin as its frame cover. Bodhrans are functional as a working tool and a musical instrument at the same time.
Unlike most drums, it has a soft sound and often makes an impression of dullness. Drums are usually associated with beating and loud sound but not this type. It has a deep sound and may be played in various styles that is from the traditional Irish beat to the modern rhythm and even in your own personal style. The tapping on the skin or rim as well as the movement of the hands will give you variations in sounds.
In the Basque country and other countries like Ireland, Spain, France the bodhran has become an integral part of their musical entertainment. But it is only in Ireland that this musical instrument has gained its high degree of sophistication. In most instances, this drum is used for purely religious and cultural festivals.
In Ireland, “The Wren Hunt” is a very popular cultural festival that uses bodhran. This is about wren hunting by groups of people with blackened faces wearing costumes. A parade of the captured bird from house to house will ensue with the playing of the frame drum while people are singing the ceremonial song.
This type of musical instrument features designs of the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral signifies the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. It represents the past, present and future and has been a symbol of the eternity of life. The designs bear significant meanings which are also relevant to religious rites or cultural ceremonies playing the bodhran.
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 chinese gong.
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