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Symbolism > hand

hand

The hand denotes a pledge of faith, sincerity and justice and it is symbolic of support and strength. In Irish arms a red hand has a particular legendary significance, from the landing of Ireland's earliest-known settlers, the sons of Milesius. The genealogical historian O'Hart tells the story: "According to tradition, two of the chieftains had agreed that whosoever first touched the 'Isle of Destiny' after leaving the vessel in their small boats should possess the right of selection over the portion of the land he was to rule. One, seeing his rival gaining apace, drew his sword from the sheath and, cutting off his left hand, hurled the gory member to the shore, and thus overcame his rival." Ever after, the bloody red hand has been the chief badge of his descendants, the O'Neill's, and those who pledged allegiance to them.

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