When Irish-American immigrants first started waving their Irish flags and parading through the streets a few short decades ago, it was to raise common awareness to the Irish plight and push for equality. Now that there are millions of silly partiers in silly Irish clothing flooding the streets of America each year, do you think those first paraders would feel ashamed? Well, I feel plenty ashamed for all of us, because that's not how we do things in Ireland.
Lots of the older folks don't even know about what the Americans do each St. Patrick's Day. They don't know about colored beers or Irish party tee shirts. The elders only know about church on this holiday, because that's what Saint Patrick's Day is to them: a holy holiday. Saint days are observed by going to church, and it is very much a social obligation to attend mass services on these days. Some fellows might meet at the local pub for drinks, but there is nothing like the excesses of the Americans.
There are plenty of fine fellows who meet up at the pub for a few pints before dinner. If you are expecting to see people slamming back green beer and getting sick off of whiskey shots in Irish party tee shirts, then you will be sorely disappointed. The only reason we tolerate the men going to the pub at all, is so that we have room to work in the kitchen! A huge meal is traditional, and we typically serve up heapings of roast fowl and vegetables.
The cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway are hosting large events this year too. The parades, music, and festivals are one thing that we took from the Americans that I love quite a bit, actually. There are no dyed rivers or mobs in green Irish tees, but there are lots of great things to do with your family during these festivities. Dublin even has a large treasure hunt planned, so be sure to wear your green when you visit. We wouldn't want and leprechauns seeing you while you hunt for their gold, do we?
I really don't know what it's like celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in America. I can only tell you what I've read about and seen on the telly. I see young people drinking to excess and sicking up on the bright Irish tee shirts they wear. If you are an Irish-American and you have never been to Ireland, I suggest you come this year for Saint Patrick's Day. You will experience a national charm and a happy welcome from everyone you meet. Our festivals are family-oriented and it won't take you long at all to get used to the way we talk. In fact, you may even have an Irish lilt of your own when you finally go home!
Lots of the older folks don't even know about what the Americans do each St. Patrick's Day. They don't know about colored beers or Irish party tee shirts. The elders only know about church on this holiday, because that's what Saint Patrick's Day is to them: a holy holiday. Saint days are observed by going to church, and it is very much a social obligation to attend mass services on these days. Some fellows might meet at the local pub for drinks, but there is nothing like the excesses of the Americans.
There are plenty of fine fellows who meet up at the pub for a few pints before dinner. If you are expecting to see people slamming back green beer and getting sick off of whiskey shots in Irish party tee shirts, then you will be sorely disappointed. The only reason we tolerate the men going to the pub at all, is so that we have room to work in the kitchen! A huge meal is traditional, and we typically serve up heapings of roast fowl and vegetables.
The cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway are hosting large events this year too. The parades, music, and festivals are one thing that we took from the Americans that I love quite a bit, actually. There are no dyed rivers or mobs in green Irish tees, but there are lots of great things to do with your family during these festivities. Dublin even has a large treasure hunt planned, so be sure to wear your green when you visit. We wouldn't want and leprechauns seeing you while you hunt for their gold, do we?
I really don't know what it's like celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in America. I can only tell you what I've read about and seen on the telly. I see young people drinking to excess and sicking up on the bright Irish tee shirts they wear. If you are an Irish-American and you have never been to Ireland, I suggest you come this year for Saint Patrick's Day. You will experience a national charm and a happy welcome from everyone you meet. Our festivals are family-oriented and it won't take you long at all to get used to the way we talk. In fact, you may even have an Irish lilt of your own when you finally go home!
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