Oak Leaf Tradition

A Chara, Revive Oak Leaf Tradition

I am sure many readers, like me, remember from our more youthful years that on the feast day of St. Colmcille, June 9th, many people would display an oak leaf on their hat or coat to mark the occasion. Sadly, this age-old local custom seems to have completely disappeared, and in my opinion should be revived if for no other reason than to help people much worse off than ourselves.

Anyone who has studied the life of Colmcille soon becomes aware that he was much more than merely a religious figure. Although born into a Donegal family of the Gaelic nobility he was very much of the people, and for the people. He took many a stand for the underdogs of his day. Noteworthy is a claim by some historians that such contributed to his banishment from Derry to the island of Iona.

His active solidarity was shown to travelling groups of writers, poets, lobbyists and orators known as The Bards. They bravely and frequently upset what were then their ruling elites. The ‘politicians’ of those days were being exposed by satire and verse and therefore wished to deny them much more than their freedom of speech. Hanging was too good for them was the opinion of many of those with vested interests who feared such justified public exposure.

The very name Derry is an English-translation of Doire, meaning the Oak Grove, then an island, whereon Colmcille built his first church, monastery and long tower. From the underdogs’ point of view it therefore seemed highly appropriate in 1968 that the oak leaf was adopted as the symbol of the civil rights movement. It was designed by Mrs. Sheila McClean, whose husband was actively engaged in the struggles associated with the Derry Citizens’ Action Committee. In more recent days the Bogside Artists have interwoven the oak leak and the dove against a backcloth and patchwork of diverse colours representing the diversity that makes up humanity. This wall mural, part of The People’s Gallery, has appropriately become an international and iconic symbol for peace based on social justice.

I think that if Colmcille were amongst us to-day he would again be supporting the underdog and would be telling our local bards to be more vocal, regardless of the inherent dangers or whom it may offend within our supposedly caring ‘establishment’. No doubt he would be highly disgusted to learn that homeless people, not least young and older alcoholics, are exposed to the elements, apparently unseen and unheard, even in the depth of the winter darkness.

Hopefully, there is at least one local charity which shares this concern of many citizens. Therefore, may I suggest that we revive the wearing of the oak leaf to help these very unfortunate souls? A few stalls on Guildhall Square and boxes of plain pins, and trays wouldn’t require too much effort. Churches, supermarkets and other venues could be cordially requested to grant permission to raise funds to promote this worthy cause. Of course every effort should be made not to cause any damage to any oak tree, which unlike some of our reactionary politicians is environmentally friendly. Paper ‘oak leaves’ bearing the name of any one or more charities could be printed prior to their public sale. A collective cross-community strategy would be desirable. I am sure there are few people who wouldn’t donate 50 pence or even a pound or euro to purchase an oak leaf, even if they decided not to wear it. However, I am sure the majority would be proud to do so and display the fact that they too are deeply concerned at past and more recent sad deaths on our streets caused mainly by hypothermia. Many ‘veteran’ community workers like me, do firmly believe, that like Colmcille most Derry folk are caring people. But then, maybe, because the ‘forgotten’; homeless and alcoholics are involved, I and others similarly concerned will be proved wrong on that score?

If Derry were to give such a lead similar charities in other towns and cities might well follow our humane example. Thus the symbol of the oak leaf would not merely be confined to the realms of faith, but hope and charity as well.

Is Mise,
Le Meas,

Fionnbarra O’Dochartaigh,
Former secretary,
Derry Housing Action Committee
Rights.civil@googlemail.com