If you're Irish, know a lot about Ireland, etc....?

Question

In Ireland, what would the average family have in their house that people in America would not? Specific things.
Also, what are some traditions and holidays, etc., that the Irish have the Americans don't?

Answer 1

Many homes, especially older family homes, have a picture of the Sacred Heart with a red light burning constantly before it. And a St. Brigid's cross made by the children on 1st February from rushes gathered in the fields. And you might find palm from Palm Sunday resting on top of picture frames. Furnishings and fittings are likely very similar to US homes.

Traditions and holidays - here we don't have Veterans Day or Thanksgiving, but we have a Public Holiday on a Monday in quite a few months, as well as St. Patrick's Day and extra days at Easter and Christmas. And our primary school children (up to age 12) get two months free in summer, but the secondary schools and universities get 3 months - close at end of May, re-open in September.

In many parts of Ireland, the "Stations" are observed - this is a tradition going back to penal days or beyond - where Mass is celebrated in a family home, a different house each year, and all the neighbours come. It is a lovely community event, and everyone brings something to share. Families take it in turn - my turn comes up once about every ten years, and we had it last 8 years ago.

And the day after Christmas many children dress up and go out "on the Wren". It is a bit like trick or treat at Hallowe'en, which some children do also, but is not very big here, at least not in my part of Ireland. And Bonfire Night is St. John's Eve, 23rd June, although that is a much smaller happening now as outdoor burning is mainly not allowed. Yes, we do have a lighted candle in the window at Christmas, but don't you believe for one minute we leave the door open all night ..... it doesn't happen. On 1st May you will often see mayflowers (wild primroses) scattered at the front door of houses.

During the summer months, many towns will have a Festival lasting a week, a different week for different places. Sometimes agricultural or heritage based, always with fun and extra events, outdoor concerts etc. planned.

Come and join us sometime !!

Answer 2

Let's see, average possessions .... I think that most people have pretty much the same now, what with Ireland becoming wealthy.

In my house we have lots of books, LOTS. And we had lots of books in my family home - we just loved stories and reading and finding out about other places. I suppose you could say that we had a curiosity about and interest in other lands? But that is now pretty much universal ... plus many secondary school students (what you'd call high school students) learn German or French, so many households would have at least one dictionary.

Good wine. Also, I think you'd find that quite a lot of Irish households would have souvenirs from European countries now, like bottles of Ouzo or Sangria, from holidays, or ornaments, works of art, clothes, etc. And guidebooks of these places.

A lot of Irish people have started to buy original art as well, and there are plenty of artists around to meet this demand!

Answer 3

Hospitality is abundant in Ireland and it is reflected in many holiday customs. A lighted candle would be placed in the window as a welcome beacon for both traveler and wandering priest. The candle is placed in the window on Christmas eve to signify the welcome the Holy family looking for shelter. Another aspect of Irish hospitality is seen after the Christmas meal. The doors are left unlocked and the table is set with bread and milk for travelers who might come in the night after seeing the welcome of the lighted candle in the window.

Answer 4

i have a framed photo of roscommon gaelic football minor all-ireland winning team in 2006, i doubt many americans have that in their homes, lol.

the main holidays in ireland are christmas, easter, st patricks day and new years and of course July 12th in northern ireland. We don't have as many national holidays here as in the states; no veterans day or thankgiving etc.