History
The arms of the historic province of Ulster is a composite achievement, combining the heraldic symbols of two of that province's best known families, namely the cross of de Burgh and the red hand motif adopted by the O Neill (Ua Néill, later Ó Néill) Kings of Ailech and Tír Eoghan.
The celebrated 'Red Hand' badge of O'Neill was probably grounded on a theme in Gaelic mythology. It may have originally symbolized the pre-Christian Celtic sun-god Nuadu – 'he who dwells in the clouds'. The latter's well-known designation, Argatlámh signified 'silver Hand' and his alias Bolg had a son, (mythologically speaking) named "Lámhdearg-Labraid" (Red Hand). Nuadu and Bolg were appellations of the Érainn or Ivernic, sun-god, the equivalent term in the Gaelic language being Nél.
The open right hand, the Dextera Dei, has also been employed as a Christian symbol. In early Christian iconography God the Father was frequently represented by the open right hand occasionally within a circle or nimbus. An example of this motif can be seen on one of the arms of the 10th century High Cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice, County Louth. It signifies the support of God the Father for the Kingdom of Christ on earth. An early heraldic use in Ireland of the open right hand can be seen in the seal of Odonis (Hugh) O Neill, king of the Irish of Ulster, 1344-1364.
When Walter de Burgh, Lord of Connacht, became Earl of Ulster in 1243 the de Burgo cross became inseparably linked with the province of Ulster. The seal of his son Richard, for example, appended to a deed dated 1282, shows the heraldic cross in triplicate together with what may well be a portrait head of the Earl himself.
Read more about this topic: Flag Of Ulster
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