Irish Symbol - The Ogham

The Ogham

The Ogham script is often referred to as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet'. The ancient Celts believed that trees had magical powers and that they were home to fairies. Indeed the Oak, Ash and Thorn trees are referred to as a magical trio, also known as the fairy triad. The ancient Celts held trees in high regard, in fact is is thought the word Druid comes from the Irish word for Oak which is 'Dair'.

Learn about the history, origin and meaning of the Ogham. What is the Ogham Alphabet? Discover the origin and meaning of the Ogham script. Facts on The Ogham and more!

English: Ogham

Gaelic: Ogam
 

The Ogham - Definition and Meaning
Ogham is a form of writing used by the Irish in medieval times. The word Ogham refers to the individual letters or script. The complete alphabet of letters are known as Beith-Luis-Nin.

Bríatharogaim or 'word ogham' explains the meaning of the names of the different letters that make up the Ogham alphabet.

The Ogham- Script & Alphabet
Ogham script is often referred to as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet'. The ancient Celts believed that trees had magical powers and that they were home to fairies. Indeed the Oak, Ash and Thorn trees are referred to as a magical trio, also known as the fairy triad. The ancient Celts held trees in high regard, in fact is is thought the word Druid comes from the Irish word for Oak which is 'Dair'.
 

The Ogham- Inscription
The inscription below is taken from a Ogham stone found on a stone pillar located by a cliff at Dumore Head in County Kerry, the message reads: 'Erc, The Son Of The Son Of Erca (Descendant Of) Modovinia'
 

The Ogham- Inventor
Check out our desktop site for an image of the god Ogma from Irish Mythology. He is credited by some as the inventor of the Ogham alphabet. Ogma also known by the name 'Cermait', was the son of the father protector 'Dagda' of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

The Ogham- Facts

  • Ogham script is often referred to as the 'Celtic Tree Alphabet'

  • Medieval scholars believed that all the letters of the Ogham alphabet referred to tree names but this is argued by modern scholars

  • A Bríatharogaim is a 'word ogham' and is referred to in early Irish literature. It explains the meaning of the names of the different letters that make up the Ogham alphabet

  • The ancient Celts held trees in high regard, in fact is is thought the word Druid comes from the Irish word for Oak which is 'Dair'

  • The Ash tree is regarded as particularly sacred in many Celtic countries, several events in Irish history have been recorded when people have refused to cut down the Ash tree as they feared their own house would burn down

  • The letter N in the Ogham alphabet is believed to come from the old Irish word for the Ash tree 'Nin'

  • The letter C in the Ogham alphabet is represented by the Hazel tree (Old Irish word: 'Coll')

  • The Hazel tree was considered sacred to the ancient Celts, it was known as a fairy tree. People considered it extremely unlucky to burn the wood of the hazel tree and its nuts were described as the 'Nuts of Wisdom'

  • W.B Yeats considered the Hazel tree to be the Irish form of the tree of Wisdom

  • The Ogham script is read from left to right

  • Ogham script is believed to have been used between the 4th and 10th century

  • Ogham inscriptions can be found on stone monuments all over Ireland, it is believed there are more than 400 surviving inscriptions mainly in the South East of Ireland

  • It is thought the word Ogham originates from the Irish word 'og-uain meaning point-seam which is the mark or seam made by the point of a sharp weapon

  • Ogham stones were mainly used as gravestones

  • Ogham script was also used to write messages on wood or metal and the purpose was for sending messages or marking ones property

  • In 1999, Ogham was added to the Unicode standard

  • Modern Druids or Neo-Pagans still use Ogham script today for the purpose of divination

  • The origin of the Ogham is subject to debate, some feel it is a different form of writing runes, whilst others believe it is a variation of the Roman alphabet, another theory is that the Ogham script was invented completely independently

  • In today's modern word, Ogham script is often found on jewelry items such as pendants and inscriptions on bracelets and rings. Loved ones can create a personal message using the individual letters from Ogham script to create a cryptic message for their partner or loved one

  • Ogma is a god from Irish Mythology who is credited by some as the inventor of the Ogham alphabet

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