The bodhran is a musical instrument with a universal purpose. It is literally a skin tray and is very popular in the Celtic world like Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has been in existence and in use for more than a thousand years in so many ways. Bodhrans are suitable for winnowing and still being used for such purpose in some third world countries like India and Africa.
The frame drum or bodhran appears like a sieve for those who are not familiar with this instrument. To some who are unfamiliar with this will simply see it as a skin tray. At any rate, this musical thing can be used as a sieve by punching holes in the skin. It practically looks like a sifter like that one being used for construction materials. This musical instrument falls under the percussion type and this is the favorite drum of the Irish people.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and designs. Most players prefer the smaller size for it is easier it is to carry along. The size of the bodhran ranges from fourteen to twenty-six inches to suit to the player’s preference. Sound is produced by the use of the hand or by the tipper. The tipper, which is a double-headed stick, is held in one hand and often used for very fast and complex beats.
The bodhran is the Irish or Celtic drum and the name comes from the Irish word “bodhar” meaning deaf. It can also be translated as “tray”, “deafening”, “thundered”, and “dull-sounding”. It is also known as a “frame drum” because of the way is made using a piece of soft wood and animal skin. Bodhrans are used as working tool and a musical instrument on the other hand.
The drums are commonly associated with beating and loud sound. However, the bodhran is not like most drums for it plays a soft sound often giving an impression of dullness. It sounds deep and can be played in many styles ranging from the traditional Irish rhythm to the modern beat. You can likewise play with this instrument according to your personal style. The variations in sounds depend on the tapping on the skin or rim and in the movement of the hands.
The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.
A very popular cultural festival in Ireland that uses the frame drum is known as “The Wren Hunt”. This is about some groups of people wearing costumes and straw hats with blackened faces who go hunting for a wren. The captured wren will be brought to a parade house to house while playing the bodhran and people singing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The knotwork is a very common design you can see for it signifies the human soul which is believed to a soul of divination and man’s eternal spiritual growth. All these symbols bear significant meanings which are related to the rites or ceremonies involved using the bodhran.
If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you shuold try bodhran. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try celtic bagpipes.