In Ireland, there are almost indestructible symbols, the harp being one of them. It is not only the symbol of the Irish nation … but also the famous Guinness stout, a local beer deeply rooted in the daily lives of the population. But did you know that the Guinness Book of World Records was traded on April 5, 1862, long before the Irish government? A brief look at the history of an immutable symbol now known around the world …

History of a cultural symbol that became the symbol of beer

When a brewery decides to pay homage to Celtic-Irish culture …

It all started on April 5, 1862, when the Guinness Brewery decided to register the harp as its official symbol. At the time, its goal was clear: the company wanted to better communicate about its brand and beer … to further emphasize the “Ireland-made” side of its production and to strengthen communication around cultural values. Strong.

For this, the harp is one of the most obvious choices. It must be said that this is one of the most important tools of Irish culture. We also find the first Celtic harps in Ireland in the 11th century.

They work generally elegantly, and are generally elegant without jewelry (often treasury). There is no doubt that Brian Boru’s harp dates back to the 15th century. Although it has no historical connection with King Bryan Boru, it is a national treasure and is on display in the old library at Trinity College.

To be precise, this fifteenth century harp was used for the Guinness logo. From this historical treasure the company would have been strongly inspired to design its logo.

Then, in August 1862, Guinness hurried to print its first labels with the famous style of harp. Very soon, this new film created a sensation among the Irish people. It must be said that the Irish are very close to their culture and their heritage: Guinness reads the card of cultural contact with the harp. A winning strategy!

The Irish government has decided to use the same symbol

Irish flag

Since the 1900s, Ireland has been driven by a deep desire for liberation. The Irish no longer support the presence of British imperialism on their soil, and no longer tolerate numerous policies of anti-Irish discrimination.

Very soon intellectuals and politicians came together in the name of nationalism and freedom … It was at this exact moment that we saw the Irish harp rising on the flags …

In 1922, when the Irish Free State was declared, the now independent Irish government decided to use the same harp as the Guinness Book of World Records.

But the Irish brewery does not hear it that way and intends to assert its rights. Defender of the logo since 1862, the company has had priority over all the exploitative rights of the harp.

Then came an agreement: the Guinness brand forces the Irish government to use a reverse harp as a symbol.

Thus, the Guinness Harp will always appear on its right edge (soundboard), and the Government Harp will always be displayed on its right edge on the right.

Since then, the harp has become the official national symbol of the Republic of Ireland, and is still found in the currency (euro).

Evolution of the Guinness Book of World Records over time

Downhill Harp on display at Guinness Storehouse – © Anton Ivanov Photo

The harp is one of the three components that make up the Guinness brand of livery. The other two elements are the word “Guinness” and the famous calligraphic signature of Arthur Guinness, the founder of the brewery.

There have been many changes in the design of the harp device over the years, including a decrease in the number of strings displayed.

The current harp was introduced in 2005 when a new lever was launched.

The brewery also owns the Downhill Harp, a historic harp dating back to 1702. It was produced by Cormac O’Kelly on Ballinascreen and was read by the 18th-century blind Hampson (or O’Hampsey).

An original treasure, now on display in the Guinness Book of World Records in Dublin. The harp has the following inscription:

I was green in the days of Noah,
Have not seen me since his flood,
One thousand seven hundred and two found me underground in Cormac o Kelly:
He raised me to that degree
You can call me the queen of that music.

It is one of the main attractions of the Guinness Storehouse, and shows how the brewery has been able to anchor its values ​​in the Irish cultural heritage. The forerunner of this sect, it was now able to create a universal symbol, which today has become a form of Irish patriotism.

Who says Guinness knows nothing about marketing?

Lots more stuff To find out …