Aran Sweater Symbolism

The Aran Sweater is The Traditional Authentic Sweater of Ireland which originated on the Aran Islands. These islands are located in the Atlantic ocean off the west coast of Ireland. The unique combination of intrinsic stitch patterns is a legacy that has been passed down through the generations.  Stories of families and life in Ireland are reflected in this wonderful garment. It highlights the value and resilience of women in a time of extreme hardship and poverty, and their high level of craftsmanship to produce a garment which provided a warm and waterproof barrier for the Islanders against the elements. It is now a world renowned and cherished symbol of Ireland.

Originally the jumpers were knitted using wool that retained all its natural oils (lanolin) which made the garments water- resistant so the fishermen could wear them, even when wet. Fishing was the means of survival for families on the Aran islands and many of the stitches on the Aran Sweater are a reflection of this aspect of life in Ireland. 

The Cable Stitch was said to symbolise the fisherman's ropes, the Lattice Stitch - the fishing nets. The Diamond Stitch signifies prosperity from the harvest, and inside the Diamond is the Moss Stitch which represents the fruitful catch. The Honeycomb Stitch, signifying the hard- working bee or the hard work of a fisherman and finally the Blackberry Stitch was said to symbolise nature. The stitches that create each Aran Sweater are complex and each one tells its own unique story.

The Aran Sweater and its combination of stitches are coveted amongst every knitting fraternity all around the world and we cherish both its origin and its symbolism. The Aran Sweater has put ' Irish knitting' into the history books forever.