The Irish Culture
I believe that some of you had once thought that Ireland was under the rule of Great Britain. But in fact, Ireland is actually a country all by itself. Located on the west side of the UK, separated by the Irish Sea. It is an independent country in which roughly around 6 million Irish people lives. Residents of Ireland typically speak English, but their traditional language will be that of Irish or also known as Gaelic. The speaking of Gaelic has seen a decline to about only 1% of the population only speaks Gaelic on a daily basis.
I've found that Ireland is rich in historical facts and their variety of customs, traditions and believe. Surprisingly, some of their traditions and beliefs there has global recognition.Saying this, some of these traditions and beliefs are - At the end of the rainbow, there will be a pot of gold, guarded by the famous leprechaun, in which captured, will grant three wishes to their captor for their release and also not to mention is the lucky four clover leaf and Saint Patrick's day and many others.
Traditional Costumes of the Irish
It may look like a skirt, but it is not! It is the Irish Kilt, it is a national dress and only worn during a celebration although a few wore them on a daily basis. It is wore by both men and women.
Greeting between the Irish are simple and direct, when meeting a stranger, a handshake will suffice. A closer friend usually results in a hug.
The Irish are very direct people, a direct conversation is very appreciated, but that being said, the Irish also loves to have humor in their conversation.
In Ireland, time is cyclical, meaning that no one is expected to be on time due to the traffic in big cities. Being early in Ireland will make you stand out and odd.
Boxty- It is the Irish variation of the potato bread, made of flour, mashed potato and grated raw potato. Usually made for Halloween or in the New Year, but now usually eaten during supper or as a snack.
Corned Beef and Cabbage: Mostly served during St Patrick's day, the Corned Beef and Cabbage is a dish not to be missed. Usually served with horseradish or mustard.
Calcannon: A famous dish made of mashed potato, Kale, milk and cabbage. It is usually served in winter or autumn in these period, but in the past, it was a treat during Halloween, small gifts can be found inside during these times.
Chocolate Sandwich Cake: What do the Irish loves best? Well, food that contains potato in it, and you are correct, because this cake also has potato in it!
National Holiday of the Irish
In fact, Malaysia too, celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. The Saint Patrick's society of Selangor which has already been around for 80 years, annually held the Saint Patrick's Ball. It is also the largest celebration of its kind in Asia.
DID YOU KNOW?
On Saint Patrick's Day, the rivers of Chicago will turn Irish green
Gaelic Football- An 8 man team work together to bring the ball to the other side of the goal. In this sport, players can either kick, carry, bounce, hand-passing and even sometimes kick and carry at the same time! In this game, two types of scores are available, kicking under the net will grant you a goal while entering above the goal will grant you a point.
Hurling- Hurling is basically the Irish version of hockey played on a field instead of an Ice rink.
Fun and drinks of the Irish
The Irish truly love their pint of ale, walk around any town in Ireland, and you'll always see a pub not far around the corner. Truth is, the Irish so love their ale that they are the 2nd country in the world that consumes alcohol on a daily basis,so much so that the country impose an alcohol consumption limit on its people(except on Saint Patrick's Day, in which the ban is limit for the duration).
This being said, people usually think that when you go to a pub is to get drunk, to drown off your sorrows and worries, but in Ireland, it is a completely different scenario.
The people of Ireland often seek excitement, and the pubs is the place to be, for people who go there can philosophize about life,talk about global politics, listen to poetry reading, step dance to the music or just enjoy a pint of ale in front of a cozy fire, talk about a paradise getaway!
This being said, people usually think that when you go to a pub is to get drunk, to drown off your sorrows and worries, but in Ireland, it is a completely different scenario.
The people of Ireland often seek excitement, and the pubs is the place to be, for people who go there can philosophize about life,talk about global politics, listen to poetry reading, step dance to the music or just enjoy a pint of ale in front of a cozy fire, talk about a paradise getaway!
The Dance of the Irish
Yet another famous culture of the Irish is the Irish dance. Under this category, it splits into three types of dance - Irish céilí dance, Irish Set Dance and the Irish Step Dance.
Lets start off with the Irish Step Dance, this dance is the basis of all the other Irish dances. It involves lots of foot work and a calm mind to coordinate the pattern.
Lastly, the Irish Set Dance, this dance is done by four couples (eight people) where each has their own part to play in the dance and usually they'll dance to the music tempo.
Ireland is a land full of fun, anybody who is anybody are allowed to enjoy, have a drink or two, listen to stories, dance the Irish way and whatnot. But in the end, Ireland is truly a wonderful place to go if you are planning to relax and recruperate.
Prepared by Yim Soon Keat
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