Ancient Tradition

The most commonly told history says that the sweaters are the traditional garment of the Aran Island fisherman. Their designs are said to be based on ancient Celtic and Christian symbols, and postcards often show tough skinned fishermen wearing them in their daily chores.

One of the most popular stories says that every wife made a unique design, so that her husband's body could be identified in case he drowned and washed ashore. Another historian has even claimed that the Ancient Book of Kells Manuscript depicts a person wearing an Aran Islands knit garment.

Time in Aran: