cultural

Church & State

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Henry VIII had himself declared head of the church in 1531 and the English monarch has retained this title since then (with the exception of Mary I who briefly restored the Pope and Catholicism). England has “no superior under God, but only your Grace” (Act Concerning Peter’s Pence). The current holder of both crown and office is Queen (“R” for “regina”) Elizabeth II. Shown in this entry is another celebration of the 500th anniversary of “Pro-Testant Reformation” in Tiger’s Bay, next to the workers of WWI mural.

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Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Pro-Testant Reformation

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October 31st, 1517 is the date given by Philip Melanchthon (there is disagreement – WP) for Martin Luther posting his 95 theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, thus launching what would later be called the “protestant” reformation of the Catholic church. The word “protestant” comes from two Latin roots, meaning to publicly (pro-) assert or bear witness (testari).

Below the red hands on either side have been added “Genesis 38:28”, which reads “While she was giving birth, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But it came about as he drew back his hand, that behold, his brother came out.” The hand thrust forward to claim the birthright (and the reference to a scarlet thread) suggests the myth of the red hand of Ulster. However, it is the younger child (though the first to be completely born) that carries on the house of Judah.

For the original mural, see Return To Loyalist Tigers Bay; for “Vote Leave” on top, see Brits Out! and for the insignia to the left, see Your Kingdom Will Endure Forever.

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Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Undisputed Champion

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Belfast’s Ryan Burnett is IBF bantamweight world champion. What was initially given as a split decision was later corrected to unanimous due to a judge mixing up the boxers on his card (Telegraph). The mural above, by Glen Molloy, is on Cassidy’s on the Antrim Road, near Bearnageeha where Burnett (and Paddy Barnes) went to school.

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Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Tyre-Free Pyre

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Tyres for the Conway Street/Cupar Way bonfire were removed from the site in June (Belfast Live | image at Alternatives) but some might have recently been put in the middle (Belfast Media). In any case, there are still plenty of pallets, not to mention Sinn Féin election posters featuring Alex Maskey, John Finucane, and Michelle O’Neill, as well as the flag of ISIS, and IRA and INLA lettering.

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Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Prepare To Roar!

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Sacred Heart Boxing Academy was housed in the parochial hall (shown in the middle of the mural) before closing perhaps because of safety concerns and/or debt. Above is a shot of the main panel in its entirety (close-ups were featured yesterday (Sacred Heart Boxing Academy). For the panel on the far right in the wide shot, below, see Belfast Boxers.

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Your Kingdom Will Endure Forever

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Orange emblems added to the Welcome To Loyalist Tigers Bay mural: the crown and bible, a heart and sword, a red fist and the union flag. Two Bible verses are referenced: “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (2 Sam 7:16) and “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God.” (Luke 1:31-33)

For “Genesis 38:28” see Pro-Testant Reformation.

For “Vote Leave” on the gable, see Brits Out!

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Copyright © 2017 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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