Unicode: ᚁ
Pronunciation: beth-AY [ˈbʲeθʲe]
Alternative names: beith
Translation: birch
Phonetic value: “b” as in boy
Bríatharogaim Kennings
| kenning source | old irish | translation1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bríatharogam Morainn mac Moín | féochos foltchain | “withered foot with fine hair” |
| Bríatharogam Maic ind Óc | glaisem cnis | “greyest of skin” |
| Bríatharogam Con Culainn | maise malach | “beauty of the eyebrow” |
Selected Word Lists
from In Lebor Ogaim (a.k.a. the Ogam Tract)
| aspect | association |
|---|---|
| darthogam (color ogham) | white (ban) |
| enogram (bird ogham) | pheasant (besan) |
| dandogram (art ogham) | livelihood (bethumnacht) |
Other Attributed Interpretations
beauty
birch
birth / beginnings
life giving
pale skin
pioneer / trailblazer
potential
punishment
purification
silver
vitality
The above various meanings have been suggested by several authors. I have de-emphasized arboreal symbolisms except where supported by scholarship. See discussion after the feda on this page on my reasons for this decision.
last updated: 27 aug 2025