Unite - What Does our Motto Mean to You

[Thomas Cameron]

Here's a question for all the Camerons out there. What does our motto "Unite" (Aonaibh Ri Cheile) mean to you personally? We're looking for answers somehow relating to Clan Cameron, and will publish the best o' the bunch in the Clan Cameron Online Newsletter.

Let those comments loose!!

[tygre]

Tom - joining together for the better good of all
DianaTEXT

[Cameronian]

Unite is a tidy word, compact looks good on a logo, however Aonaibh Ri Cheile was once translated for me by a Gaidhlig speaker as "Come together".

Now perhaps when viewed as words there is not a great difference in concept between "Unite" and "Come together". However, I have always had a visual concept, and in this vision "Unite" forms a single image of a mass, strong, bonded, and one, but just a mass.

Come together, however presents to me a somewhat different image of a gathering of those with willingness to share, to be there for each other, individuals bringing into the group the different talents, skills ideas and pleasures of sharing communication and companionship, not loosing individual identity but adding something from each to form the unity and dedication of the extended family from which surely the Clann was drawn.

So when questioned as to what our Clan motto means I may answer to the enquirer that it means "Unite" but I will however confess to you all that at the same time I "think" come together…..

Val

[Thomas Cameron]

Val has a great point, that there are other, more detailed meanings behind our motto. I just happen to have done an article on this very subject, detailing more on the actual true meaning of the motto, back in the March/April issue of the Clan Cameron Online Newsletter. While we don't usually like to do this (for the newsletter content is for members-only) I thought "what the heck," so here it is...enjoy!


"LET US UNITE?"

Most Clan Cameron Association members are very familiar with the clan motto, "Aonaibh Ri Chéile." With an image of five arrows joined together with a ribbon, the customary meaning to these words is "Let us unite," or in some circles, simply "unite." Thanks to Lochiel, Clan Cameron Online was able to publish a newsletter article a few years ago identifying the five branches of the clan that are represented by the arrows. This article is available on the website by clicking the main clan crest image on the main page.

While the general translation from Gaelic to English of the motto may seem to make good sense, in that the five arrows are "united" with one another, there may be a more detailed translation. The word "aonaibh/aonaich" does in fact mean "unite," but also "reconcile," "join in one," or "side with." Moving onto the word "chéile," the translations "each other," "one another," and "both" apply. With the addition of the word "ri," before chéile, this combination takes on the meaning "like one."

The accepted translation, "Let us unite," or "unite like one" may very well be accurate, but in what way were the branches to unite? It was certainly not meant for the Cameron milkmaids of Lochaber to form a team of laborers, nor for the MacMartin fishermen to board a common boat and cast their lines into the depths of Loch Lochy as a team. Furthermore, it did not take on a more socialistic meaning of a collective united community, or any common religious belief. The motto was adopted during the early eighteenth century, an active militaristic age in the Highlands, when the Jacobites were gathering steam as a force to be reckoned with. Based on this atmosphere of armed conflict, the translations "join in like one," or "side with each other" may serve to further explain the deeper meaning. After all, the branches of the clan did militarily unite as never before during this era, under the banner of Sir Ewen, his son John and grandson Donald "The Gentle Lochiel."

Regardless of the intended meaning, the Cameron Clan did unite, and has continued doing so over the three hundred years during which this motto has been in use. While it may very well have been adopted for a military slogan, "Aonaibh Ri Chéile" now serves a higher purpose, bringing together Camerons from throughout the world in appreciation of their collective heritage.

[NancyMorse]

All very interesting and thought-provoking, but I have one question - how is the phrase "Aonaibh Ri Cheile" pronounced? Could anyone give sort of a phonetic spelling, please? Thanks.
Nancy

[Thomas Cameron]

Hi Nancy,

I've heard it spoken differently from countless persons, including at least one-half dozen or so Gaelic speakers. The way I say it, after looking into the matter (and please let me preface this with the comment that at least ten people will follow-up with different pronounciations ) is:

OO-NIV
REE
CH (the hard "ch" like in "loch") AY-LU

for a grand mouthfull of: "OONIV REE CHAYLU"

[Highlander]

The Clan Motto means to me that all us Camerons come together to unite this great Clan for friendship, fun communication, etc. from the Branches here in North American and Abroad. I wish I could say more. I am apparently the only one of the Southern California Branch who understands knows what the Motto stands for and means. I wish the rest of the Southern California Branch of Clan Cameron Norht America unite.

[Ailean Glas]

"Aonaibh Ri Cheilie" means to me that we should wish all descendents of the five families, and septs, a very happy New Year-2003 must be better than 2002!

Dias Mhuire duit a Chloinn Camshron!

[Highlander]

Aonaibh Ri Chéille (pronounced: unuv ree challee). The first u in Aonaibh is long, the i in Ri has long e sound and the ch in Cheille has the ch sound as in church and the ei in Cheille is a long a sound, and the e at the end is a long e sound.

[geoff]

Although I am a very new member, I think that our Motto represents the strength of family bonds and the ability to perservere by drawing upon this strength. As the old saying goes, all for one and one for all.

[Seumas]

Failte

Well the Camerons' did in their time work to bring together the people of Scotland. As we all know you pick a side in time of conflict and wait on the outcome. Yet to serve the nation and think of it over the cause of any ruler can be hard: Even as with the Stewarts' the single person or their family can hold against the nation continuing to exist.

We saw this when the Stone of Scone was returned to Scotland. They have no urge to restore the Crown or Feudal-system but this piece of stone marks them as an Nation. It may yet be found though that the stone held the English is not the real item, the Stone of Scone is reputed to be a bench of polished -black-stone not a rough-quarry-stone.

Slainte Math, Kirkland

[Carol]

Since discovering the Clan Moto "Unite" in 2000, when I was hosting a Cameron Family Reunion for my cousins, I have used it as a Battle Cry to pull my large Cameron "Brood" together. Us 57 first cousins had suffered the loss of 5 Uncles (and our dads) in a 9 month span. After spending so much time grieving together, it was high time we "Unite" to celebrate the good lives we were living, and to share some happy memories, and perhaps make new ones! While not all of the sheep have returned to the fold, many have, and we are enjoying the companionship of the extended family again."Unite" is a perfect motto for the Clan Cameron. There is safety, and comfort in numbers. No matter what the dangers of the world are that we must face, we have each other if we can "Unite", and really, what more do we need?

[Ulsma]

Whell I suppose its meaning to me is be stong together rather than indiviguly (dam I cant sp) then agen when I think of unite I think of men shouting it the night before battle or something. Oh and about the stone rumer (and I mean rumer) has it that, that stone isent the real one. We where oferd it meny years ago and we said no. Rumer has it the stones where swiched and the real stone is in one of the isles like sky or something. That may be a load of bollicks but a lot of older ppl who study history for fun told me that.
But anyway I dont think the word Unite matters its kinda like a logo or a thing to say to bost moral....kinda like when your at a football (or as most ppl on this site would call it "Soccer") match and the saporters chant your name or a team song pfft or any song but change the words to slag off the other team and suport the one thats playing. Its a moral boster and its the same with Unite they'd feel stronger.

[Ken]

Aonaibh Ri Chéille to me is more like a call to arms... IMO it was used as a saying for all Clansmen to stand and fight together... ;D Could be wrong though....

I heard that Aonaibh Ri Chéille is pronounced like Oniv Ree Chaylu, which the ch pronounced as in loch as in a k sound, is that right?

[Ken]

Oh speaking of Unite, there's going to be an International Gathering of Clan Cameron in 2009...

www.clan-cameron.org/gathering/

"Following in the proud footsteps of their ancestors, the members of Clan Cameron will once again answer Lochiel’s call to gather at Achnacarry. During the summer of 2009 clansfolk will make their way to scenic Lochaber, in Scotland’s West Highlands, to celebrate their collective heritage. The following invitation has been issued by the Chief of Clan Cameron:

“I am delighted to announce that an International Gathering of Clan Cameron will take place at Achnacarry in late July or early August 2009. I hope to welcome many clansfolk from around the world at that time and we will do our utmost to arrange an interesting, worthwhile and happy few days.

With very best wishes,

Donald Cameron of Lochiel” "

[Alans]

The motto, I think refers to the origins of the Clan Cameron which came together from a number of older Clan Groupings in the late middle ages. leading groups, amomg others, being the MacSorley's, MacMartins, MacGillonies and the ancestors of the Locheil family. There is in fact a battle cry which roughly translated from gaelic means "We are sons of the Hound we have come for flesh" . This, apart from expressing the Clan's ferocity in battle, is a reference to the Mythical ancestor Cu Cuhlainn. The motto refers more to the clan's origins as a confederation of much more ancient groupings.
Those who are truly expert please feel free to add or amend to my ramblings.

Dias Mhuire duit a Camshronaich!
Ailean glas

[Thomas Cameron]

Hi Alan,

Happy 2007 - I hope your summer is going well in sunny Australia!

I have to ask, out of absolute curiosity and genuine interest, about your comment regarding Cu Cuhlainn (Cúchulainn). My knowledge of the folklore regarding this spear-wielding Celtic legend is somewhat limited, but what I really am interested in is anything you might have linking his story to Clan Cameron (other than the hound portion of his name). It's a wonderful tale, and I'm hopeful that you have more to tell us about a folklore connection to the "Sons of the Hounds."

If anyone else is curious, or needs to become familiar with this legendary hero, you may find a nice introduction on Wikipedia (under the spelling Cúchulainn).

[Alans]

Tom,
As I said in my last posting I await a real expert's opinion-someone truly learned in Scots gaelic mythology. However the Gael of the Western Highlands regarded Fionn MacCumhaill ( Finn MacCool to the Irish ) as their "progenitor".
Or they claimed legendary descent from some of his warriors- the Fiannaich. The Camerons self description of themselves as "Sons of the Hound" is, I think, an obvious reference to Fionn himself.
Fionn may well have been based on a real leader, especially against the Vikings,
but the tales about him became a mythology about origins and ancestry. More I do not know, and an expert onn the early History of the Scots gael will need to enlighten/correct us etc.

Dia duit a Thammais!
Ailean glas

[Thomas Cameron]

Alan,

Thanks for the background, which many of us appreciate. Many overlook the mutual heritage of Scotland and Ireland, and I find the Finn MacCool / Cúchulainn very interesting. St. Columba made it over to Scotland, St. Patrick made it to Ireland (from his supposed origins in the West Highlands) so we know there was much back and forth, even among the clergy.

I look forward to hearing more on this topic!

[gaelgal]

This has been an interesting discussion so far. Thank you, Tom and Alan! We are "united" as Celts, Scottish and Irish, in more than a few instances! When I got married a few years ago, I discovered the 'connection' to the Irish "district" tartan my husband wears. Scots and Irish traveling between the borders, it is guessed. I look forward to hearing more about it all!