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Aran
knitwear is as valued today as it was in medieval times. For
instance, in the Book of Kells it is said that Daniel was
depicted wearing an Aran jersey with socks to match!
Originally, whilst their womenfolk spun the wool from natural
fleece, the fishermen knitted the garments using goose quills
for needles. They created patterns of great beauty, as befitted
those who lived so close to nature, but symbolic and dignified.
Study the stitches in any Aran garment and you'll find they
are an allegory to a way of life with each stitch being steeped
in symbolism: they are an Irish heritage.
Stitches and their significance
The stitches in hand knitted sweaters are based on various
aspects in the life of a fisherman. These include such things
as life and death as well as the environment in which he made
his living.
In the Aran Islands and similar coastal communities, different
families knitted these stitches into their own distinctive
patterns. It is said that if a fisherman drowned, he could
be identified by the pattern on the sweater he was wearing.
Trinity
or BlackBerry
Represents the Holy Trinity.
Honeycomb
A tribute to the bee. It was considered a lucky omen. If a fisherman
saw a swarm of bees before setting out to sea, a good catch
was assured!
Double
ZigZag
Depicting the ups and downs of married life. Also represents
forked lightning or cliff paths.
Cable
& Rope
Represents the Fisherman's ropes.
Ladder
or Tree of Life
Represents the poles and rungs of the ladder of life. Also symbolizes
the pilgrims road to eternal happiness.
Moss
Stitch or Carrageen Moss
Represents wealth.
Diamond
Represents wealth and success.
Basket
Represents the fisherman's basket -- for abundant catches.
Trellis
Represents the stoney fields of Western Ireland and the nets
of the Fishermen.
Link
Represents the eternal link to those who left the island.
Honeycomb
Double
ZigZag
Cable
& Rope
Ladder
or Tree of Life
Moss
Stitch or Carrageen Moss
Diamond 
Basket 
Trellis
Link