Greetings and Blessings to all,

A warm welcome back to you and to our new subscribers.  We hope this edition of the newsletter finds you happy, healthy and contented.   This month marks a special event for us here at O’Reilly’s Treasures…..it is our third anniversary!!  Since three is Ireland’s magic number and since the Irish believe everything good happens in threes, we thought it only fitting to devote this edition of O’Reilly’s Treasured Times to the Irish fascination with the number three.

Numbers were an integral part of Irish society and were considered more than just an expression of quantity.   The Irish considered them as concepts with deep meaning behind each number.  The number three, for example, was their first formal magical number indicating a sense of completion and unity.  Being a product of two (action) and one (thought), it expresses a growth of unity within itself.

The number three also occurs frequently in Irish mythology.  There were three sons of Uisnech, the three cup-bearers of Nechtain and the three aspects of the Morrigu.  The 3rd lunar period is Nion, the ash tree, symbol of the frustion as it struggles to advance from the physical into the spiritual realm.  Source:  Michael Ragan’s Introduction to Irish Numerology

Numbers played an important role in Celtic symbolism. Before the Christian era, the Shamrock was a sacred plant of the Druids of Ireland because its leaves formed a triad. Three was the most sacred and magical number. It multiplies to nine, which was sacred to Brigit (goddess of the fire and home hearth). Three signified totality:  past, present and future / behind, before and here / sky, earth and underworld.

The ancient Celts, in both their oral and written literatures, arranged ideas in groups of three called ‘triads’.  Many of these triads were witty, with an amusing climax -- or anticlimax -- in the third item.  In many of the Irish triads of the same period, there are humorous jibes at female behaviour or in some cases at the male inability to cope with it.  For example, ‘There are three kinds of men who fail to understand women:  young men, old men and middle-aged men.’   Other triad topics (or targets) include mothers-in-laws, disapprovals of certain vices, breaches of good manners, and observances of human behaviour.  Triads were and continue to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Much symbolism surrounds the number three in both Ireland and Christianity:  love, valour and wit / faith, hope and charity / Father, Son and Holy Spirit / life, death, and resurrection.   Legend suggests that the Shamrock was used by St. Patrick in the fifth century to demonstrate the meaning of the Trinity.  Found on Irish medieval tombs and on old copper coins, it is known as St. Patrick's money. The plant was reputed to have mystic powers... the leaves standing upright to warn of an approaching storm.

The Irish believe that everything good happens in threes.  The rhythm of story telling in the Irish tradition is based on threefold repetition. This achieves both intensification and exaggeration. Even today in quality pub talk, a raconteur can rarely resist a third adjective, especially if it means stretching a point.

Many of the Celtic knots featured in the Celtic jewellery we wear today have triangular characteristics emphasizing the importance of the number three.  In Pre-Christian times, the knots could have meant the three phases of life - youth, prime and elderly, or past, present and future.  In the modern age, it can be interpreted as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The Triskele, the Everlasting Knot, and the Triquetra are all common knots featured in Celtic jewellery.  Other features of Celtic jewellery, such as triple spirals, are inter-dimensional symbols capable of parting time from space and allowing us to venture in other worlds and dimensions.

• A book only needs to sell 3,000 copies to top the Irish best seller's list.
• The average Irish adult spends $3,500 a year on alcohol.
• Experts believe that the average price of a 3-bedroom house in Dublin will rise to 250,000 by 2005.
• The most popular cars in Ireland are the Ford Fiesta & Focus, the Toyota Yaris and the 3 series BMW.
• The average Irish household has three TV's and two video recorders.
• The average Irish family is made up of two parents and three point nine children.
• Irish women believe that thirty is the best age to get married and begin a family.
• Irish men believe that thirty-five is early enough to settle down.
• Ireland's coastline measures more than 3,000 miles.
• 300,000 Irishmen volunteered for the British forces between 1914 and 1918.
• Ireland has been named the third most popular holiday destination for people living in Britain.
• ‘Third time lucky,’ is a phrase well known even in our modern, western society.

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Champagne Berry Sorbet:  since anniversary celebrations usually includes champagne in some form or another, try this special three ingredient champagne sorbet at your next anniversary celebration.   Ingredients:  1 pound berry sorbet, 2 cups raspberries, 1 cup best quality champagne OR sparkling apple cider.  Method:  Place sorbet in four to six parfait or martini glasses.  Divide berries evenly over sorbet.  Slowly and carefully pour the champagne or sparkling cider over the berries and serve immediately.  Serves 4-6

Phrase:  Happy Anniversary    Irish: Comhgáirdeas bhur gceiliúradh    Pronunciation: koh-gawr-jeas wur gel-oor-ah*  * This is not specifically 'anniversary' but 'celebration' and could be used for many such occasions. In the singular it would be:   do cheiliúradh, pronounced dhuh chel-oor-ah

Word:  Three   Irish: Trí   Pronunciation:  three

Phrase:  I'd like three pints of Guinness    Irish:  Ba mhaith liom tri pionta Guinness    Pronunciation:   Bah wy li-um three pyun-thah Guinness

Phrase: It's lovely when everybody enters into the spirit of the occasion   Irish: Is breá an rud é nuair a ghlacann chuile le dearcadh na hócáide  Pronunciation: iss braw on rudh ay noo-ir ah ghlahk-ahn khwill-eh leh djahr-kah nah hoh-caw-djeh

• Peter O’Toole was once asked what was his favourite Irish food.  His response was “My number one choice is Guinness.  My number two choice would be Guinness.  My number three choice would have to be Guinness.”
• It is not a secret if it is known by three people.
• May the strength of three be in your journey.
• Three diseases without shame: Love, itch and thirst.
• Three things it is best to avoid:  a strange dog, a flood, and a man who thinks he is wise.
• The three sharpest things in the world: a thorn in the mud, a hemp rope, a fool's word.
• To all the days here and after May they be filled with fond memories, happiness, and laughter.
• God bless three times, and three spits for luck (said at the birth of a calf).

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Murphy and his pregnant wife live on a farm in the distant rural regions.  No running water, no electricity, etc.  One night, Murphy's wife is begins  to deliver the baby.  The local doctor is there in attendance.  "What d'ya  want me to do, Doctor?"  "Hold the lantern, Murph.  Here it comes!"   The doctor delivers the child and holds it up for the proud father to see.  "Murphy, you're the proud father of a fine strapping boy." "Saints be praised, I..."  Before Murphy can finish the Doctor interrupts, "Wait a minute. Hold the lantern, Murph." Soon the doctor delivers the next child. "You've a full set now, Murphy. A beautiful baby daughter."   "Thanks be to..."   Again the Doctor cuts in, "Hold the lantern, Murph, Hold the lantern!" Soon the Doctor delivers a third child. The doctor holds up the baby for Murphy's inspection. "Doctor," asks Murph, "Do you think it's the light that's attracting them?" 

Be the first to answer this month’s trivia questions and you will receive Volume Three of The Very Best Irish Songs and Ballads, retail value $15.95.  Email your answers to oreillystreasures@bellnet.ca
1.  According to an old Irish law, what must be done every third year to the roads?
2.  What is the name of the Irish quilt which uses three different fabrics or values of fabric in its creation?
3.  What organization features the dove, the cross and the globe as their triad emblem?
4.  What is the name of the ancient symbol for the trinity which comprises three interwoven arcs, distinct yet equal and inseparable?

Congratulations to Sharon Kirk of Ottawa for correctly answering September’s trivia questions.  Sharon received an Ireland windsock for her efforts.  Here are the answers:
1.  The most popular daily weather forecast in Ireland is ‘some sunny spells with some outbreaks of rain’.
2.  The sunniest months in Ireland are May and June.
3.  Ireland normally gets between 1400 and 1700 hours of sunshine each year.
4.  The duration of bright sunshine is measured by a Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder.

Shortbread and Gingerbread Baking Contest:  Saturday, December 4th -- drop off your entries by 11 a.m.  Our customers will do the taste-testing and judging throughout the day.  Ballots will be counted at 4 p.m. and the winners will be notified by phone.  Gift certificates awarded to the top three entries.   Join us for a cuppa Irish tea!
The Three O’Reilly’s Limerick Contest:  Winners will be announced on Saturday, December 11th .  Write a limerick about the three O’Reilly’s and enter our contest for a chance to win the following:  First Place -- three Irish Christmas ornaments, retail value $30.00;  Second Place -- two Irish Christmas ornaments, retail value $20.00;  Third Place -- one Irish Christmas ornament, retail value $10.00.  Deadline for entries is Thursday, December 9th at 5 p.m.  Drop off your entries at the store, fax them to 613-646-7187 or email them to oreillystreasures@bellnet.ca.  Remember to include the number three somewhere in the body of your limerick….
‘The Rolling Tones’ Anniversary Draw:  Saturday, December 11th -- be sure to drop in for a visit over the next two weeks and fill out a ballot for a chance to win a Finnian collectible, The Rolling Tones, retail value $60.00.

Kurt Adler:  Irish Christmas ornaments.    Innovation Gifts:  Scottish Christmas ornaments.  
Willitt’s Designs:  Christmas stained glass wreaths, Clothique collectible Santas, ornaments, and so much more!
Abbey Press:  Advent wreaths, Christmas cards, Irish prints
Tweedbank Textiles:  serapes, ruanas, capes, adult and children’s tammies, scarves, and head squares.
Nigel Hunt Jewellery Limited:  Initially Celtic pendants, blue topaz and sapphire drop earring and pendant sets, and trinity knot rings.
Bridget’s of Erin:  Himself and herself bath towels, shamrock hand towels, shamrock wine and magazine racks, Irish snowmen, and Irish ornaments.
Ganz:  mini shamrock tea sets, ornaments, lucky four leaf clover jewellery, prayer box jewellery, Irish princess mugs, and the most adorable shamrock plush puppies and bears.
The James Import Co.:  Irish and Scottish Tin Whistle CD packs, Guinness bar ware, golf repair kits, pint glass sets, playing cards, and pouring spoons.
Jack McGuire:  Enjoy Jack’s CD, The Visit, for some local Irish music.
W.E. Jackson:  Irish Christmas and greeting cards, Celtic and thistle note cards.
Italian Charms:  too many too mention!
Blue Chip Products:  direct from the UK, heraldry fridge magnets.
Century Irish Items:  Notre Dame and Irish sport socks, ladies green Irish baseball and short-sleeved t-shirts, Irish blessing throws, Irish nativity scenes, shamrock ties,  Irish Eyes aprons, beautiful Irish snowmen slates as well as Failte/Welcome and shamrock slates.

Meluki:  distributors of Scottish publications as well as Celtic music.
Random House Publishing:  suppliers of Irish books.
Bonda:  tartan trimmed fleece hats and scarves, mohair blankets, girls jumpers and blouses and men's tartan dress shirts, caps and ties.
History and Heraldry  -- based in the UK -- this award winning company is renowned for its best selling sentiment and personalized products.
First Impressions:  fine Irish blessings calligraphy prints.

Until next time,

Three folds my garment
Yet only one garment I bear
Three joints in a finger
Yet only one finger is there
Three leaves in a shamrock
Yet only one shamrock I wear
Frost, ice and snow
Yet these three are nothing but water
Three persons in God
Yet only one God is there

And remember, mind yourself! ;-)        
The Leprechauns of O’Reilly’s Treasures
Mark & Linda Kauffeldt
Ryan, Dylan and Liam Bradley
16 Pembroke St., P.O. Box 489
Cobden, ON  K0J 1K0
Tel:  613-646-7157  Fax:  613-646-7187

www.oreillystreasures.com   email:  oreillystreasures@bellnet.ca
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