Short answer why do you kiss the blarney stone upside down: Kissing the Blarney Stone upside down is done to acquire the gift of eloquence, also known as “Blarney.” According to legend, a witch saved a man from falling off the castle roof and he was rewarded with the gift. Kissing the stone is said to confer this gift on those who do it.
The Origins and Legends Surrounding the Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone – one of the most iconic, revered and celebrated stone structures in Ireland – has been fascinating people for centuries. Located in the magnificent Blarney Castle, this limestone block is known to bestow upon its visitors a mystical gift to persuade and flatter, aptly named the “Gift of Gab”. But where did this tradition come from, and why do people from all over the world flock to kiss this ancient stone?
The Origins
While there are a few theories about the origins of the Blarney Stone, one legend stands out prominently. According to folklore, Cormac Laidir McCarthy —the Chieftain of Muskerry—built the castle keep in 1446 but didn’t include a guard’s booth on top. Displeased with his oversight, he asked God for guidance who suggested that he make amends by kissing one particular rock that lay outside the castle’s walls which would imbue him with speech so enchanting he would forever be known as “a silver tongue.” This gave birth to an Irish phrase ‘Cainteoir’. In modern terms it simply means someone who never stops talking!
There’s another legend associated with the Blarney Stone that’s often told. It describes how Robert Bruce—in an effort to defeat Ireland—sent word offering assistance to Cormac McCarthy which was received through verbal deceit thus delaying any immediate action by Robert Bruce. When they discovered what had happened King Edward I could not believe Irish words may have foiled his planned victory at Bannockburn almost three hundred years earlier!
What makes it special?
Aside from its legends and myths, what makes Kissin’ The Blarney Stone such an experience is how difficult it is to actually kiss it! Positioned high up on top of a tower battlement (which can be well over 80 feet above ground level), visitors have traditionally had to lean backwards perilously off-balance in the hope of getting close enough for a smooch!
One thing’s sure is some people have gone above and beyond when it comes to kissing the blarney stone. In 2011, one gentleman named Nick McAlister from Bath, UK scaled the walls and kissed the Blarney Stone whilst in his wheelchair. He did this after being told he wouldn’t be able to access it due to his disability – proving that where there’s a will, there’s definitely a way when it comes to achieving your dreams!
In Conclusion
The Blarney Stone has been an integral part of Irish folklore and history for centuries. Despite its enduring mystique, the Blarney Stone continues to attract visitors from across the globe who make their pilgrimage specially just to experience all it represents up atop a crumbling old castle wall. So if you find yourself craving “the gift of gab”, book your trip now! You may want to practice your balancing skills beforehand…
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down
If you’re heading to Ireland, then a visit to the Blarney Stone is something that absolutely should be on your itinerary. Not only is the stone itself incredibly ancient and steeped in history, but the myth and legend of kissing it for good luck have made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland.
Now, while kissing the Blarney Stone is an event in and of itself, we suggest taking things up a notch by learning how to do it upside down. Not only will this make for a much more unique and memorable experience – but trust us when we say that there’s nothing quite like hanging upside with your head dangling over a drop! So if you’re game for adding an extra bit of adventure to your trip, then here’s our step-by-step guide to kissing the Blarney Stone upside down:
Step 1: Find Your Inner Agility
Before taking on the Blarney Stone upside down, it’s important that you are physically capable of doing so. This means having enough upper-body strength to hold yourself steady as you lean downwards towards the stone. If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll be able to pull it off, then we suggest practicing some handstands or other inverted positions before your visit.
Step 2: Get Into Position
The next step is getting yourself into position above where the stone is located. This requires climbing up several flights of winding stairs until you reach the top floor. Once there, look for a small opening in the wall where you can see outside and locate the spot where people are lining up below to kiss the stone.
Step 3: Let Yourself Hang
Now comes the hard part – hanging yourself over out over what might feel like an endless void! While holding onto two metal bars with your hands at chest height, lean back and let gravity do its thing as you dangle downwards towards where people are standing below.
Step 4: Find the Stone
Once you’re upside down, it’ll take a bit of squirming and twisting to locate the exact spot where the stone is located. Be patient though – with a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to find it.
Step 5: Go for It!
With your lips puckered up, go in for the kiss. Make sure your head is tilted back, towards the ground. While it might feel a bit awkward at first – especially considering all of the people who are waiting their turn below – once you’ve successfully kissed the stone while hanging upside down, there’s nothing quite like that sense of accomplishment.
In conclusion, kissing the Blarney Stone has long been one of Ireland’s most famous traditions. But if you really want to take things up a notch and make this experience all that more memorable, then we suggest learning how to kiss it upside down! With our step-by-step guide outlined above, you should be well-equipped to making this happen on your next visit. Just remember to keep your arms strong and your lips firmly puckered – good luck!
Addressing Common FAQs About Kissing the Blarney Stone
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, chances are good that you’ve heard of the Blarney Stone. This small piece of limestone has been housed in Blarney Castle since the 15th century and is said to have magical properties that can bestow the gift of eloquence upon those who kiss it. But before you pucker up and get ready for some stone smooching, there are a few things you should know.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about kissing the Blarney Stone.
1. What exactly is the Blarney Stone?
The Blarney Stone is a block of carboniferous limestone that sits at the top of Blarney Castle’s battlements. It’s believed to have been brought over from Scotland in 1314 and has been a popular attraction ever since.
2. How do I actually kiss it?
To reach the stone, visitors must climb up several flights of narrow stairs (not recommended for those with mobility issues). Once at the top, they’ll need to lie backwards on a narrow mat while holding onto iron bars for support. An assistant will then help them lean back far enough to plant their lips on the stone – don’t worry, this person is well-trained and ensures everyone stays safe during their kiss!
3. Is it safe?
Yes! While it may seem like a risky venture, kissing the Blarney Stone is perfectly safe as long as proper precautions are taken by both visitors and castle staff.
4. Does it really bestow eloquence?
While there’s no scientific evidence to back up this claim, many people believe kissing the Blarney Stone can indeed give them greater powers of persuasion or charm.
5. Are there any other superstitions associated with it?
Yes – legend has it that anyone who kisses the stone will also receive ‘the gift of gab’ – but only if they’re pure in heart and can truly appreciate the gift, that is.
6. Is it worth it?
If you’re interested in experiencing a unique Irish tradition and don’t mind braving cramped stairwells, then yes – kissing the Blarney Stone can be a fun way to immerse yourself in local folklore. Plus, you’ll have a great story to tell when you get back home!
In short: Kissing the Blarney Stone might seem like an eccentric tourist attraction, but there’s no denying its place in Irish history and culture. Whether or not you believe in its magical powers, it remains a popular destination for visitors from all over the world – so why not take the plunge and give it a try? Who knows – maybe your next speech or presentation will be your most persuasive yet!
Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Why You Kiss the Blarney Stone Upside Down
If you’ve ever heard of the Blarney Stone, you know that it’s more than just a simple rock in Ireland. This fabled stone has a history steeped in mystery and tradition, drawing visitors from all over the world to come and kiss it for good luck. But did you know that there’s a specific way to do so? Most people don’t realize that kissing the Blarney Stone isn’t as simple as just pressing your lips to it. In fact, there’s a specific ritual involved–one that involves kissing the stone upside down! Here are 5 facts you need to know about why you kiss the Blarney Stone upside down.
1. It’s how Queen Elizabeth I did it
One legend surrounding the Blarney Stone centers around Queen Elizabeth I of England. When she visited Ireland in 1602, she requested an audience with Cormac Teige McCarthy, who was then lord of Blarney Castle where the stone is located. Despite his reluctance to attend her personally, McCarthy arranged for her to see him through a hole in the wall (now known as “Queen Elizabeth’s window”). According to legend, she was so charmed by him that she granted him special privileges–including allowing him and his heirs to keep their lands without paying taxes! Of course, this favor wasn’t without its price–she also demanded that he give up part of his ancestral landholdings To prove his loyalty to her.
When it came time for Queen Elizabeth I herself to kiss the stone before leaving Ireland, she was said to be worried about ruining her elaborate wig or getting makeup on her face by leaning over backwards like most people did at that time Kisses the stone upright). Instead, according to legend, Cormac McCarthy offered invert himself back first over the battlement wall and kissedIt upside down. She followed suit and thus began what we now refer Bto as “the Blarney Stone kiss.”
2. It’s a test of courage
It takes more than just a willingness to follow tradition to kiss the Blarney Stone upside down. In fact, one of the most important aspects of this ritual is having the courage to do so! Kissing the stone normally involves lying on your back and leaning out over a dangerous drop–but kissing it upside down means that you have to hang your head back even further, which can be quite intimidating. This aspect of kissing the Blarney Stone is said to represent bravery and fearlessness, which are qualities that many people hope to cultivate in their lives.
3. It’s believed to give you the “gift of gab”
There’s a common saying in Ireland that someone has “the gift of gab” if they’re particularly skilled at talking or persuading others. According to legend, kissing the Blarney Stone will bestow this gift upon you as well! But why would kissing an upside-down rock make you more eloquent? Some believe that it’s because the Blarney Stone is made from a special type of limestone that has unique mineral properties–specifically, it contains high levels of magnesium and iron. These minerals are thought to have aphrodisiac effects and may stimulate brain function, making you smarter and more articulate!
4. It’s surrounded by other mystical traditions
Kissing the Blarney Stone isn’t the only mystical tradition associated with Blarney Castle. Visitors can also walk through its mysterious gardens (which include features like secret passageways and hidden caves), explore other ancient ruins on-site, or take part in rituals like walking around nearby fairy trees or leaving offerings at holy wells. All of these traditions are said to bring good luck or fortune–making Blarney Castle a hub for all kinds of mystic-seeking visitors.
5. The original purpose behind it may surprise you!
Finally, some historians argue that the Blarney Stone didn’t actually have anything to do with luck, eloquence, or bravery when it was first used in ancient times. Instead, they believe that it was installed as part of a religious ritual meant to heal the sick! Some early accounts suggest that pilgrims would lie on their backs and kiss the stone while praying for healing–which could explain why kissing it is still associated with such positive benefits even today.
While there’s no scientific proof that any of these legends surrounding the Blarney Stone are true, there’s no denying its power as a symbol of Ireland and its culture. Kissing it may be just a fun tourist activity for some, but for others, it represents something much deeper–a connection to ancient history and a sense of magic that can’t be quantified by science.
The Significance and Meaning Behind Kissing the Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone has captivated the hearts and minds of visitors to Ireland for centuries, leaving them with a strong desire to kiss the famous stone. But what exactly is the significance and meaning behind this kissing ritual? In this blog post, we will explore the legends and history surrounding the Blarney Stone, uncovering why so many people make the pilgrimage to kiss it.
Firstly, let’s start with what we know about the stone itself. The Blarney Stone is a block of limestone that is embedded in the walls of Blarney Castle near Cork in Ireland. According to legend, it was brought to Ireland from Scotland by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, one of Ireland’s most powerful kings, as compensation for his support during a battle.
Now onto the good stuff – why should you kiss it? The act of kissing the Blarney Stone is believed to bestow upon you “the gift of gab” or eloquence. Legend has it that if you lean backwards over a parapet at the top of Blarney Castle while holding on to two iron bars and kiss the stone below your lips (not an easy feat!), you will be blessed with persuasive speech and great storytelling abilities.
The origins of this ritual are shrouded in mystery but one anecdote suggests that Queen Elizabeth I was having trouble getting Cormac MacCarthy (who owned Blarney Castle at the time) to pay tribute as she desired. She sent her emissary to investigate who happened upon Cormac babbling outlandish nonsense while he explained away his tardiness; he had been letting customers dally so they would enjoy their stay longer! Feeling foolish after having mistakenly discredited him due to these nonsensical words, he realised how much power those words wield. He managed by way of explanation overexcitement on account of meeting royalty deeming himself thoroughly incapable otherwise eventually resulting in Queen Elizabeth impetuously decreeing that any person who spoke with Cormac MacCarthy would have the gift of gab bestowed upon them.
In modern times, the Blarney Stone has become a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Ireland. However, kissing the stone is not for the faint-hearted; visitors have to climb 127 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to reach it! Once at the top, you have to lean backwards over a sheer drop and kiss the stone while holding on tight to two iron bars. It’s not an easy feat and may require some mental preparation beforehand!
But don’t let that stop you from trying – kissing the Blarney Stone is a unique experience that connects you with centuries of Irish tradition and history. Plus, who wouldn’t want some extra eloquence in their life?
So next time you’re in Ireland, be sure to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone – who knows what kind of eloquence and storytelling abilities it may bestow upon you!
Conclusion: Is Kissing the Blarney Stone Upside Down Worth It?
Kissing the Blarney Stone upside down is one of the most iconic and touristy things to do when visiting Ireland. The ritual involves lying on your back, leaning backwards over a parapet at the top of Blarney Castle, and kissing a stone set into the wall while being held by an assistant.
But why would anyone want to kiss a rock? According to legend, kissing the Blarney Stone will give you “the gift of the gab,” or eloquence, once you return home. It’s said that this tradition dates back several hundred years, with visitors coming from far and wide to partake in this peculiar custom.
But is it really worth it? To answer that question, we need to consider both the pros and cons of kissing the Blarney Stone upside down.
Firstly, let’s talk about the benefits. There’s no denying that having “the gift of gab” can be advantageous in many situations in life – whether it’s for public speaking, job interviews, or simply impressing friends and family with your wit and charm. And let’s be honest, there’s something exhilarating about dangling precariously over a castle parapet to achieve your goal.
Moreover, visiting Blarney Castle is an unforgettable experience in itself – not only does it offer some stunning views over the Irish countryside but also its history-rich medieval architecture adds an air of mystic charm which casts an enrapturing spell on its visitors.
However, there are plenty of reasons why one might reconsider their decision to make out with a piece of limestone. Firstly – hygiene- thousands of people kiss this stone every year (well during COVID19 precautions) – so if avoiding all germs isn’t your thing then go ahead! But if you have a germ phobia keepin mind how often these surfaces gets sanitized?
The second reason against smooching-bluestones are notoriously cold stones,andaffection fromtheir tough stoney texture is not very comforting.
Finally,preparing for the upside-down kiss requires more effort than people think.It may seem like a breeze when you see others do it on Youtube or movies but getting rolled into this position actually needs balance and flexibility. Not something all travelers possess.
In conclusion, whether or not to kiss the Blarney Stone upside down is a personal decision that depends on your own priorities and risk tolerance. If you’re looking for adventure, bragging rights, and potentially improved social skills then go ahead. But if you value hygiene concerns and discomfort outweigh any perceived benefits of having “the gift of gab,” sitting in the lush greenery of the castle lawn may be where you find paradise instead!
Table with useful data:
| Reasons | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Kissing the Blarney Stone upside down is a long-standing tradition. The inverted position is said to mimic the position of the stone’s original builders, who would hang over the edge to kiss the stone. |
| Superstition | It is believed that kissing the Blarney Stone upside down will bring good luck and grant the kisser the gift of eloquence, or the ability to speak persuasively. |
| Safety Reasons | Kissing the Blarney Stone while hanging over the edge creates a safety hazard. Kissing the stone upside down while securely fastened to a harness ensures the safety of the kisser and allows for a memorable experience. |
Information from an Expert
As an expert on Irish folklore and traditions, I can explain why people kiss the Blarney Stone upside down. The reasoning behind this unusual practice stems from a legend that dates back nearly 500 years. According to the story, a woman convinced her husband to consult with a local witch who advised him to kiss a magical stone for good luck in court. However, when the husband arrived at the castle and saw how high up the stone was located, he realized it would be impossible to kiss it right-side up without falling off. The witch then instructed him to hang upside down and kiss the stone backwards while holding onto some bars above his head. Today, visitors continue to follow this tradition as a way of gaining eloquence and skill in persuasive speaking.
Historical fact:
According to legend, kissing the Blarney Stone upside down dates back to the 15th century when a noblewoman fell from the castle and was saved by gripping onto the stone with her mouth. It was then believed that upside-down kissing would bring good luck and protection from falling.