Again, during the month of March, we are honoring the rich heritage of Ireland, the ancestral home of the Larkins.
CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF THE EMERALD ISLE
We met the artist, Helen Magee while attending the Showcase Ireland Trade Show in Dublin, Ireland this past January. Her landscapes of the Irish countryside are so beautiful that we wanted to share her art with you. For more information about Helen Magee and her work visit www.hairyfruitart.com.
CELTIC KNOTS
A large range of knots and some stylized type of knots that are used as decoration by the ancient Celts are known as Celtic Knots. They were used mainly in decorating church monuments and manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells.
It is suggested that the Celts did not create these knots. Rather, it is believed that they adapted the knots from outside influences. Similar designs have been found throughout Scandinavia and mainland Europe. The various skirmishes and wars where these societies conquered one another may have exposed them to different traditions and customs.
Celtic Knots are understood to represent eternity or the never-ending cycle of life. These knots have closed ends representing unity and eternity. Whereas a knot with an open end, represents a specific life journey. Another theory is that the different types of knots were used to represent different clans or tribes, in the same way that the pattern and colors of a Scottish kilt does. Due to the historic nature of these ancient patterns, there is no way of knowing for sure.
The Triquetra or the Trinity Knot is the most famous. It is associated with ancient Christian symbolism. ‘Triquetra’ comes from Latin meaning ‘three cornered’. It is a symbol of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit.) It has been interpreted as the connection between mind, body and spirit and the past, present and future.
The Larkin Tea Company worked with Irish artist, Sinead Moss, to create a special glass tea mug which is etched with the Tuim Knot. This knot represents the bridge to the other world, or worlds, and to higher energy and knowledge and marks the four seasons surrounded by a ring of eternity.
The symbolism of the Tuim Knot is indicative of the human desire to know and experience the unfolding mystery of life.
TEACUP THURSDAY
Do you follow us on Facebook? For those who love or collect fine china, every Thursday we feature a different teacup and try to provide the history of the pottery that produced it. During the month of March all the china will have been produced in Ireland.
https://www.facebook.com/larkintea/
BOXTY
Boxty is a traditional Irish food that makes good use of that most famous Irish staple: the potato. It is essentially a potato pancake that can be eaten alone or as a side dish.
Boxty was a traditional “peasant food” since the ingredients were generally cheap and affordable in poor households. Irish peasants in the 18th and 19th century had more access to potatoes than to wheat, thus this pancake could substitute for bread and carbohydrate dishes. The Gaelic name for the dish is aran bocht ti, which translates as “poor house bread” and is the source of the unusual name.
IRISH TEA BUNDLE
Our featured teas this month are Irish Breakfast Blend, Irish Whisky Cream and Shamrocks & Shenanigans. Buy a bundle of all three for a 25% saving.
TEA ‘SOCIETY”
The Tea “Society” met for the first time on February 27 at Dollies Tea Room in Clear Spring, MD. Twelve people were in attendance to enjoy each other’s company, make new friends and to savor the excellent food and teas. Dollies does such an excellent presentation.
The March event will be at TranquilaTEA in Waynesboro, PA.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2020
Time: 1:30 pm Sitting
Price: $28 (includes tax and gratuity)
Address: 117 West Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
THIS TEAROOM IS NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.
Website: www.tranquilatearoom.com
Reservations: Pre-paid Only. Deadline for Reservations is Friday, March 20, 2020.
No children under the Age of Eight.
Make checks out to “The Larkin Tea Co. LLC” and mail to The Larkin Tea Co. LLC, 545 Warm Springs Avenue, Martinsburg, WV 25404. To pay by credit card call 304-707-0142.
Carpooling available from Martinsburg or meet us there.
This is a small tearoom that can only accommodate 16-20 people. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
AN IRISH BLESSING FROM THE LARKIN TEA COMPANY
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.