Can We Talk 2

Erin Go Braugh!

         Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all! Whether you celebrate in a somber, holy way in Ireland or a much more irreverent way elsewhere, have a happy one.

         To those not of Irish descent or enlightenment, here are a few helpful tidbits. Leprechauns only wear green in America. In Ireland, they wear red in most places, and their hats vary, from a derby to a pointy tall hat, as well as the pilgrim shaped hat we see in the States. Leprechauns are accused of many things, including spilling the milk, knocking over things, and sending sparks from the fireplace onto the rug. Some people try to appease the leprechauns by leaving out a wee snack, like cookies for Santa. A few have tried leaving some scraps, but that infuriates them, feeling like the family is treating them like the pet dog! And they don't like school teachers, because teachers tell the children, it's all just superstition. That's why it's harder than ever to find leprechauns. They have moved into the mountains to get away from schools.

         Wild banshees are female spirits that attach themselves to a family or clan and warn of an impending death. A bad banshee is happy about it and sounds like a scary laugh. Good banshees sound more mournful and sad. To hear one, it helps to be under the influence of liquid spirits.

         Ireland is an island, so there are lots of fishermen providing fish and large prawn (shrimp) and other seafood. They are known for their lamb and corned beef. We buy Irish wool and fisherman sweaters, all expensive. Dairies are a big industry now, and here in America, we can buy premium Irish cheese, butter, and other dairy products. Cabbage is big in America for St. Patrick's Day and sales go sky high for corned beef, cabbage and potatoes this weekend. Ireland is not known for desserts, but the finer homes and hotels offer some good things.

         Many Irish people came in the 1600's and 1700's, those early waves settling in the Appalachians (after Cromwell). In the 19th century, Ireland experienced a potato famine. People left Ireland by the thousands rather than lose their savings or starve their families. They were coming to America in the early 1800's, remembering their traditions. They settled in New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston in large communities. The first St. Patrick's Day parade was in 1762 in New York. Many turned out wearing green hats or arm bands, and the non-Irish began to associate green with the Irish and St. Patrick's Day in particular. A poem by William Brennan referred to Ireland as the "emerald isle" which reinforced the color association.

         Now growing up, I was always told to wear green today or the leprechauns would pinch you. I thought is was just an excuse for the kids to pinch the ones who forgot to wear something green. (I never believed the ones who said they wore green underwear.) Recently, I heard that if you wear green the leprechauns can't see you. That's new to me, and I have read a lot about Ireland and Irish folk lore. I'd have to see some background on the vision block before accepting it.

         I never thought much about the Irish diaspora before. The word had been associated with the Jews in my limited education. The Jews had spread all over the world, but still felt rooted to the homeland. Believing themselves to be God's chosen people, they still felt the unity no matter where they lived in the world. The attempt at extermination by the Nazi's helped reinforce this feeling of unity, of being a dispersed nation. Somehow Ireland has had a similar experience as seen in the international celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

         Millions of Irish left Ireland over a 50 year period, going to the U.S., but also Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They carried with them their music and traditions. Staying together in communities allowed them to maintain thir identity and celebrations. St. Patrick's Day became less religious and more celebratory as they invited their non-Irish friends and co-workers to participate. In these other locations, the church was not as instrumental in their daily lives. So the wearing of the green or Irish symbols became more popular, especially in the U.S. where consumerism affected all groups. Merchants probably had more influence than the Irish themselves in building St. Patrick's into such a big holiday.

         Ireland is known for drinking and brags a little about it in their poetry, their stories, and jokes. But it was America's influence that pushed the drinking. Green beer is an American invention. Only in the last decade plus have you been able to find it in Ireland. The green river in Chicago has been around since the 1960's. Guinness will make a big surge in sales this weekend. Most people celebrating today don't know much about St. Patrick or Ireland. But for this one day of the year, everyone is Irish!

         Erin Go Braugh. (Gaelic for Ireland forever)