Woad

The future of Ireland is the future of the land.

Woad has been grown for millennia to produce indigo. It is the Celtic colour, but was also used by the Egyptians, Chinese and everyone in between. During the industrial evolution it was grown intensively nearcentres of textile production.

In Balbriggan, once a booming textile hub, woad still grows abundantly. Its economic value has expired, yet each year it reappears.

The Romans noted that the Celts used the dyestuff to paint their bodies during battle, and so nowadays the dye is often associated with the Celts (see: Braveheart). However, the plant had a far wider presence and was used even in as far flung places as China. Moreover, while the continental Celts were transformed into different peoples through waves of invasion, the woad plant retained its place in these changing societies. As cultures changed, the plants they used remained constant.

—Or at least until the arrival of Indigofera Tinctorum, or true Indigo, from India. The local woad industries, which had been booming throughout Europe, could not compete with this superior crop and, despite attempts of protectionism, their presence began to wane. However the predominance of Indian indigo would be short-lived due to the introduction of synthetic Indigo in the 19th century.

Woad can be found growing wild, especially near places where textiles were historically produced. In Balbriggan, once a booming textile hub, woad is still abundant. The industry declined, but each year the flowers reappear.

When we dye with woad we may do so to revive a dormant tradition. We may do so to reflect on the many epochs and peoples that used it. Or we may use woad for the same reason that everyone else did. Because it grows here. Because it is beautiful.