Irish Penal Times, which began in 1691 and ended in the late 18th century, were a series of laws passed by the British to prevent the Irish Catholics from owning land, gaining political power or practicing their Faith. Since almost all of Ireland was devoutly Catholic, this was an effective strategy for the disenfranchisement and economic oppression of the Irish.
During the Penal Times, it was illegal to say or attend Mass, posess any religious articles or artifacts, or recite any prayers recognized as Catholic. The penalty for this was death. Priests and parishioners alike were commonly hanged for the crimes of practicing their Faith.
A number of customs arose during these times. The Irish would not, indeed, could not abandon their Faith, the very basis for their lives. The custom of placing a lighted candle in the window is not only a Christmas tradition. Candles were placed in windows to indicate that this house was a safe place for the priest to celebrate the Mass.
The Irish Penal Rosary was invented as an underground means of saying the Rosary. Rather than the full five decades of beads, it had only ten beads plus an Our Father bead and the cross. It was attached to a ring worn around the finger or thumb and could easily be concealed in a sleeve.
This brave and beautiful traditional artifact has been reproduced in a number of forms over the years and is very popular with Irish Americans as a way of remembering their Faith and their heritage.
Connemara marble is a beautiful and meaningful material for any Irish jewelry or Rosary, but particularly for the Penal Rosary. Galway is in the west of Ireland, in the Connacht province, where strictures against the Irish were particularly harsh and where economic sanctions took their greatest toll, as the rough and rocky coast offers no arable soil or natural resources -- only its land, which the Irish were not allowed to own.
The Celtic crucifix measures 1-1/2"and is of heavy, solid sterling silver, as is all the metal handwork. The sterling ring is available in sizes 5 - 9 -- please specify when ordering. The Rosary measures 10" in total length (including crucifix).
This is a beautiful and meaningful gift for men or women of Irish heritage. Includes presentation pouch, a copy of the Rosary prayers in Irish Gaelic and a story card with the information above.
$40.00
Connemara Rosary Bracelet
Decade of genuine Connemara marble beads; Pater/Gloria bead is enhanced by lacy sterling bead caps. Sterling Celtic cross with Celtic interlace pattern. Handwrought closure and lobster clasp for security. About 7-3/4". All sterling silver metalwork.
$45.00
