Ogham Series - Sláinte - Health
Today we kick off our Ogham series of T-shirts and there is not better beginning than Sláinte.
Ogham is the first written script of Ireland. Said to have been created by the God Ogma as proof of his scholarly prowess, these characters can be found all across Ireland marking prominent stones where ever you may go. Ogham is created by marking horizontal and diagonal lines meeting or crossing a central line. The number, position, and angle of these mark indicate the fid, or character / letter that the marks create. What is commonly misunderstood is that Ogham is read from the 'root' upwards, making the first letter of the word you're spelling the bottom fid in the ogham glyph.
Combining this ancient script with the words from the living Irish language our Ogham series hopes to bring new energy and awareness to both.
Sláinte is the Irish word for health. It speaks to a total form of well being that is not just about the physical. This term is one of the more famous Irish words that is heard time and again around the globe wherever folk gather and raise glasses in a toast. As with a lot of Irish language, there is a deeper meaning to our words. When someone clicks your glasses, looks you in the eye, and says sláinte, they are not just saying 'cheers'. They are wishing you health and well being, all on one simple yet powerful word.