Universal Purpose Of The Bodhran
The bodhran is a musical instrument with a universal purpose. It is literally a skin tray and is very popular in the Celtic world like Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has been in existence and in use for more than a thousand years in so many ways. Bodhrans are suitable for winnowing and still being used for such purpose in some third world countries like India and Africa.
For those who are familiar with the bodhran they will see it as a sieve or simply a skin tray. It can be used as a sieve anyway when holes are punched in the skin. Bodhrans often resemble a sifter like that one that is being used in construction sites. This is also a type of musical instrument under the percussion category. This is in fact a drum and a favorite of the Irish people.
There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14″ to 26″ to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the “tipper” is used which is held in one hand.
The bodhran is the Irish or Celtic drum and the name comes from the Irish word “bodhar” meaning deaf. It can also be translated as “tray”, “deafening”, “thundered”, and “dull-sounding”. It is also known as a “frame drum” because of the way is made using a piece of soft wood and animal skin. Bodhrans are used as working tool and a musical instrument on the other hand.
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.
The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.
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.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral represents the past, present and future and has become the symbol of eternal life. It represents the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. All the symbols carry significant meanings which are also symbolisms adapted for rituals or ceremonies using 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 alexandria doumbek.
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