Irish culture and traditions make us
discover that the Irish particularly love their land of origin. So there are
numerous festivals that pay homage to their legacy, for example St Patricks
Day, Bloomsday, rugby or hurling games all accompanied by celebrations in pubs
and with beer.
St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated on 17 March, St Patrick’s
Day. On this day the green color invades cities and towns, the people celebrate
toasting with beer and playing music or singing traditional songs. The
celebrations generally include public parades and festivals, Celtic music in
the streets and wearing green clothing.
St Patrick's Day parades began in North America in the 18th century but did not
spread to Ireland until the 20th century. However, over time, many of the
parades have become more like carnival. Even
the beer turns green thanks to Curacao, a bitter orange liqueur.
Colcannon with potatoes and cabbage and Guinness beef stew is the typical dish.
Traditional apple pie
The traditional apple pie prepared especially during the St. Patrick's period
is the one created with the ancient recipe of the County of Armagh, precisely
the Armagh Bramley Apple Pie. It is made with an apple that has a strong flavour
and a compact consistency. Brown sugar, plenty of cinnamon and apples are the
basic ingredients of this apple pie.
Guinness
A fundamental element of the life of the Irish people is the pub, where friends
and families can meet. Irish pubs are connected to one of Ireland's most famous
icons: Guinness, the traditional Irish beer. In 1859, Arthur Guinness started
producing it in his brewery at Dublin's St James's Gate. Guinness is still the
most popular and well-known beer in the world and in Ireland. In Dublin there
is a museum where you can learn about its history and its production based on
an ancient secret recipe.
Celtic Music
Music plays an important role in Irish culture and many pubs across Ireland
have musicians performing at the tables. Traditional Irish music uses
instruments such as the violin, the acoustic guitar along with typical
instruments like the Irish bouzouki, the Uilleann pipes and the Celtic harp,
the official symbol of Ireland. Irish dances are the best example of Celtic
rhythm.
Birthday Bumps
It is a tradition practiced by all Irish people, especially with children.
During birthday parties, two or
four people take the birthday boy or girl by their feet and hands and lift them
up. The number of
“bumpings” into the air and down onto the floor corresponds
to the number of years of the party boy/girl.
Irish literature
There are so many famous Irish writers! The first internationally renowned
writer was Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Then, Oscar Wilde, dramatist and author of the novel The Picture
of Dorian Gray.
Ireland is home to established playwrights like Samuel Beckett and poets like
W.B. Yeats and Flann O'Brien.
20th century writer James Joyce rose to fame with the Dubliners and
wrote one of the most controversial novels in literature, Ulysses.
Irish literature today is experiencing a real renaissance, even at an
international level.
Irish beliefs
There are many mysterious and magical beliefs in Irish culture. Spirits and deaths are everywhere considering
the large number of Celtic dolmens and cemeteries, it is no coincidence that
the true story of Halloween comes there. Many rites are performed with objects
used for funerals and superstitions about the dead, cemeteries, coffins and
tombs are very common.
Irish legends
Legends in Ireland have a great charm and are linked to Irish traditions. For
example, their elves, the so-called leprechauns, who are part of fairy peoples. They are
little, dressed in green, with a ginger beard, nice, tender, playful and they always
hide a great treasure. They are little national and positive heroes who always
send good messages.
Ireland strikes for the popular warmth of its traditions, for the cheerful
people and the spirit of aggregation. Immersing yourself in Irish traditions while
on holiday is the best way to get to know this country better.
Michela M., 4sc
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