The bodhran is a musical instrument with a universal purpose. It is literally a skin tray and is very popular in the Celtic world like Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has been in existence and in use for more than a thousand years in so many ways. Bodhrans are suitable for winnowing and still being used for such purpose in some third world countries like India and Africa.

For those who are familiar with the bodhran they will see it as a sieve or simply a skin tray. It can be used as a sieve anyway when holes are punched in the skin. Bodhrans often resemble a sifter like that one that is being used in construction sites. This is also a type of musical instrument under the percussion category. This is in fact a drum and a favorite of the Irish people.

There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14" to 26" to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the "tipper" is used which is held in one hand.

The bodhrans are not only musical instruments but functional working tools as well. The name of this instrument is derived from the Irish word "bodhar" which means deaf. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is likewise referred to as the "frame drum" because of the manner it is made with the use of soft wood that can be easily bent and the use of animal skin for its frame cover. It also popularly known as the Irish or Celtic drum.

Beating and loud sound are commonly associated with the drums. But unlike most drums, the bodhran is one that produces a soft sound giving the impression of dullness. It has a deep tone and can be sounded in several styles like from the traditional Irish tempo to the modern rhythm. You can play with this musical instrument to a beat suitable to your personal taste. The sounds can be produced in varying degrees just by the tapping of the hand on the skin or rim and with the movement of your hands.

The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.

In Ireland, "The Wren Hunt" is a very popular cultural festival that uses bodhran. This is about wren hunting by groups of people with blackened faces wearing costumes. A parade of the captured bird from house to house will ensue with the playing of the frame drum while people are singing the ceremonial song.

The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The knotwork is a very common design you can see for it signifies the human soul which is believed to a soul of divination and man's eternal spiritual growth. All these symbols bear significant meanings which are related to the rites or ceremonies involved using the bodhran.