Upon arriving at Newgrange, to say we were completely clueless and unprepared for what we were about to encounter would be an understatement. Nothing could prepare us for the amazement we would soon face. As we approached the site, we saw a very large circular stone dome that sat neatly atop a green hill. Lining the outside of the dome were multiple kerbstones, one of which lay adjacent to the entrance. This particular kerbstone was etched with symbols. Later we would find out that these symbols were just a few of the many etched within the structure. Some of these symbols included the infinite triple spiral, chevron, and triangle. None of them have known significant meaning and are left open to individual interpretation. Some of the stones comprising the outside layer of the structure were egg-shaped, which represented the importance of fertility to the ancient builders. Most of the stones used to build the structure are assumed to have been carried from approximately seventy kilometers away, over the Wicklow Mountains and to the site location. The structure is believed to have been constructed around 3000 BC during the Neolithic Period. To put this time period into a Biblical perspective, think Abraham. This construction date also puts Newgrange built about 1000 years before the pyramids and dates it older than Stonehenge in England (we aren’t saying this makes Ireland better than England… but we are).
This site was not discovered until the 1960s. Soon after discovery, excavation commenced, led by Dr. O’Kelly. The significance of this entire structure does not solely lie in its age, but rather the unique cutout that rests above the entrance. This window box allows light to directly enter and flood the chamber for approximately seventeen to eighteen minutes during the days of winter solstice. What is more, not only was the structure itself incredible in its architecture, but the surroundings were breathtaking. Located in County Meath, Newgrange lie amidst fields of luscious green grass and countryside.
The historical significance of this site has much to do with the religious associations that can be linked to it. Though uncertain as to the purpose of the structure, possible speculations include a temple or burial chamber. During excavation, bones were found within the chamber. Among these bones were skulls in which holes were drilled. These drillings were probably performed in order to release evil spirits. This practice implies that a mystical religious belief system may have been in place, as they worried about the presence of demon possession. If the chamber was indeed used as a believed dwelling place for ancestral spirits, conclusions can be drawn in regard to the honor they had for their deceased family members.
The significance of this site goes beyond that of the historical, but includes that of modern developments. For example, Newgrange gives us an appreciation and admiration of our Irish predecessors because of the detailed, specific architectural dynamic represented by the design of the window box. Much thought and planning had to go into this structure. We can see it as a foundation for other detailed architecture that has developed over the years in the country. This site also allows us to come up with our own creative assumptions about the site details, from the overall meaning to the symbols etched within the walls of the structure.
Our personal reactions to the site were obviously ones of pure amazement. One of the greatest moments at the site was entering the narrow chamber and experiencing a simulation of light flooding all cracks and crevices within during the precious moments of the winter solstice. The tour guide emphasized drawing our own conclusions about the reasons behind all the structural details. Among our group, many assumptions arose. Maky believed every detail was purely coincidental while RJ, Kathryn, Paige, and Taylor came to rest on the ideas of ancestral worship and burial grounds. As for what’s really true, we may never know – we will leave the rest up to you to decide what you believe for yourself!
This site was not discovered until the 1960s. Soon after discovery, excavation commenced, led by Dr. O’Kelly. The significance of this entire structure does not solely lie in its age, but rather the unique cutout that rests above the entrance. This window box allows light to directly enter and flood the chamber for approximately seventeen to eighteen minutes during the days of winter solstice. What is more, not only was the structure itself incredible in its architecture, but the surroundings were breathtaking. Located in County Meath, Newgrange lie amidst fields of luscious green grass and countryside.
The historical significance of this site has much to do with the religious associations that can be linked to it. Though uncertain as to the purpose of the structure, possible speculations include a temple or burial chamber. During excavation, bones were found within the chamber. Among these bones were skulls in which holes were drilled. These drillings were probably performed in order to release evil spirits. This practice implies that a mystical religious belief system may have been in place, as they worried about the presence of demon possession. If the chamber was indeed used as a believed dwelling place for ancestral spirits, conclusions can be drawn in regard to the honor they had for their deceased family members.
The significance of this site goes beyond that of the historical, but includes that of modern developments. For example, Newgrange gives us an appreciation and admiration of our Irish predecessors because of the detailed, specific architectural dynamic represented by the design of the window box. Much thought and planning had to go into this structure. We can see it as a foundation for other detailed architecture that has developed over the years in the country. This site also allows us to come up with our own creative assumptions about the site details, from the overall meaning to the symbols etched within the walls of the structure.
Our personal reactions to the site were obviously ones of pure amazement. One of the greatest moments at the site was entering the narrow chamber and experiencing a simulation of light flooding all cracks and crevices within during the precious moments of the winter solstice. The tour guide emphasized drawing our own conclusions about the reasons behind all the structural details. Among our group, many assumptions arose. Maky believed every detail was purely coincidental while RJ, Kathryn, Paige, and Taylor came to rest on the ideas of ancestral worship and burial grounds. As for what’s really true, we may never know – we will leave the rest up to you to decide what you believe for yourself!