Signs, Signs: Belfast Murals

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The Twelfth of July parades in Belfast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland commemorate the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of The Boyne in 1690. People begin celebrating this event on the Eleventh Night with the lighting of huge bonfires that have been months in the building.

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Gathering fuel for the fire...

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This ‘marching season’, as it is known, historically re-ignites sectarian violence. Members of the Orange Order assert their right to walk with Protestant marching bands along the same route every year, accompanied by the racous protests of nationalist groups decrying what they consider a  blatant show of Unionist dominance over their Catholic neighbourhoods.

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This year was no exception:

violence broke out and

riot police were called

upon to deal with the

hooligans.

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On a visit home a few years ago, I took
pictures of the murals that were painted
at the height of the Troubles.

These murals are beautiful, horrifying
 and heartbreaking
 all at once…they are people’s lives and
hearts laid open for
 the world to see.

I pray that my beloved Northern Ireland will one day find its way to a lasting peace that recognizes each of her citizens as equal and free...

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For more signs from all over, pop into Lesley's wonderful meme and check them out...

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http://signs2.blogspot.com/
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If you'd like to know more about Northern Ireland and the Troubles, you might enjoy a few of my earlier posts...
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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/08/city-divided.html
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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/07/young-of-belfast.html
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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/07/immigrant-experience.html
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Window Views in Belfast

Because Mary was unable to access her computer for last week's Window Views, I'm reposting this piece to link with her this week...

I have previously  posted photos of the brightly painted doors, colourful signs and wonderfully ornate windows to be found in Northern Ireland.

But most of you will know the other side of this picture...the Troubles that pitted citizens against one another, ordinary families on opposite sides of the street who were separated by much more than mere pavement....

On  a recent trip home to my birth city, I saw reminders of those troubled times everywhere. The Peace Line that divides the city still stands...barriers and barbed wire circle buildings long out of use, and progress seems stilled in its tracks.

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It saddened me immeasurably to photograph this proof of a time when hatred won out over reason.

 

Yet we Irish are nothing if not resilient.

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Overshadowing the ruins are signs of new beginnings. Reason rules once more...and slowly, but inexorably, we edge ever closer to being united through our love of the homeland that lives in each of our hearts.

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I'm linking this post to ' Window Views...and doors too', a wonderful meme hosted by the very gracious Mary.

Do stop by the link below to see windows and doors from many corners of the world!

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http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

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You may be interested in these previous Irish posts:

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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/07/immigrant-experience.html
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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/08/city-divided.html

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http://imaginationlane.blogspot.com/2010/07/young-of-belfast.html

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