Rebuilding Lives in Northern Ireland
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Apr 27th, 2011
According to legend, O’Sullivan’s Cascade in Killarney once ran with whiskey. Fionn MacCumhal resided here and kept his supply of whiskey. O’Sullivan was lucky enough to share this as he was the only man to stand up for Fionn. But when the Sassenagh (foreigner) invaded, the cascade changed to water.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Apr 13th, 2011
The forty days of Lent were traditionally ones when no meat was eaten and a favorite food or pastime was given up as penance. This was a time when people reflected on their good fortune. Homes were cleaned thoroughly (spring cleaning) so as to be prepared for the blessing by the priest. This custom has […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Jan 18th, 2011
First son – after father’s father First daughter – after mother’s mother Second son – after mother’s father Second daughter – after father’s mother Third son – after father Third daughter – after mother Fourth son – after father’s eldest brother Fourth daughter – after mother’s eldest sister
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Dec 14th, 2010
St. Patrick brought Christmas to Ireland when he Christianized the country at the end of the 5th Century. Much of the history of Ireland is the history of a nation existing as part of another empire, and as a result was a poor nation. This affected the style of their Christmas traditions. Irish Christmas customs […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Dec 11th, 2010
To say Merry Christmas in Irish, “Nollaig Shona Duit” pronounced “NO-lihg HO-nuh ghwich”(for one person). To more than one, “Nollaig Shona Daoibh,” pronounced “NO-lihg HO-nuh JEEV.”
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Dec 6th, 2010
December 6th is Feast Day of St. Nicholas. He is the patron saint of Galway City, and Christopher Columbus prayed at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Galway in 1477. It used to be the custom for children to put their shoes by the hearth on December 6th hoping the saint would fill them with […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Oct 28th, 2010
Halloween is a contraction of All Hallows Eve. In the 5th Century B.C., in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on that day. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en) meaning “end of summer.” The custom of Halloween was brought to America in the 1840’s by Irish immigrants fleeing The Great Hunger. At that time the favorite […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Sep 29th, 2010
September 29 is Michaelmas or the Feast of St. Michael. This marked the “goose harvest” when geese hatched in the spring were ready for market. A goose was killed on this day and a portion given to the poor. On farms with orchards this was the proper time to pick the apples and make cider. […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Sep 23rd, 2010
September 23 is Autumn Equinox. This is the time of the completion of the harvest started at Lughnasa. Day and night are equal once more. It is time for nature to rest and prepare for winter. Traditionally, plants were gathered for medicinal purposes and homes and churches decorated with leaves, corn and pine cones.
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Aug 24th, 2010
You’ve blessed me with friends and laughter and fun With rain that’s as soft as the light from the sun. You’ve blessed me with stars to brighten each night You’ve given me help to know wrong from right. You’ve given me so much please, Lord, give me too, A heart […]
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