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Wildland Acres · Jan 31, 2022 4:30 PM

Hi, so I am a celtic enthusiast the recently got put in the committee for my church's weekly young single adult activities for the area and as Saint Patrick's day is my favorite holiday as a celtic enthusiast but I know that common saint patrick's day practices in america are not seen as true to their culture by people in Ireland I am trying to claim right to be the main person for planning the activity the week of saint patrick's day.... I am an enthusiast raised in america who likes looking things up and tracing my genealogy to immigrants to try to feel connected to it, I am by no means an expert though, and the cites I have found about saint patrick's day traditions seem to be tailored for american tourists... so not the most helpful. I think I remember that there are players here from Ireland. Would you be willing to tell me what Saint Patrick's Day means and how people celebrate it over there? Like usually I do a lot of listening to celtic music and spending time in nature birdwatching and or painting to celebrate it... But this needs to be an activity for a large bunch of people. These are the ideas I have to try. Do any of these sound ok, or are these culturally insensitive as well? Like I want to honor the culture and try to show others a little bit about it... but I am a dreaming american child, I am no expert, and this is what I have gotten from my research so far.

- Instead of the wearing green/ pinching people thing, offer clovers for people to pin to their shoulders which I think is what inspired that entire thing, or is this a not good thing too?

-I have a large selection of celtic music from more traditional to music from modern artists. Probably go through and find something from that to turn on.

-I have a celtic mythology book containing the mythological, ulster and Fenian cycles in it. I am really hoping that this book is legit. It is way harder to look up sources for celtic mythology than other mythologies unfortunately. I was planning on having it out to be read if people wished.

-This group I am planning for likes game nights, so I am trying to look up traditional Irish games I have found a list of various games, but sparse information on how to create and play them... I have time to research. I think I know rings, but ones I am trying to research that I did not know of previously are Irish Skittles, Quoits, Fichneal, Brandubb, road bowling and rounders. Do these sound like games that would be appropriate and respectful to play for such an occasion?

- I have no clue what/ if they would want/ be ok with me serving food, there is the tricky bit between traditional food, and I know there are some staple celtic cuisines that both would be difficult to come by and also probably not the best thing to spring on people on their first encounter to celtic culture stuff, But I was thinking as far as possible, cabbage, potatoes, and pickled beets (My mom took me to an irish inspired pub in settle as a graduation present when I graduated from high school forever ago to listed to Irish singers and I remember the pickled beets were to die for so now they are seared into me head as a celtic thing... is this a good thin? I don't know). And apple juice or something as a stand in as the people in the group I am in do not drink alcohol.

... These are the thinks that come to my mind for a basis of things, but once again I am just a dumb american kid with a google obsession. I have never even been in Ireland before... What do you guys think? Would this work or would I just be creating my own brand of cultural misnaming by doing this? Key things from a true Saint Patrick's Day celebration that I am missing?

RoseFlute · Jan 31, 2022 8:34 PM

As an American with Irish roots, I can't tell you exactly what goes on in Ireland, but I will say that Irish blood has been in America for over a hundred years and it's okay if you don't get it exactly like Ireland because we're all Irish-American now. For example, corned beef and cabbage is a traditional meal associated with the Irish, but it was developed in America. So celebrating Irish-American traditions is also appropriate. My grandpa grew up in Chicago but his DNA is just about 100% Irish even though his great grandfather was the one to emigrate.

In my own family growing up, we've done sit-down dinners with corned beef and cabbage, Irish Soda Bread, sparkling cider (cuz who gives beer to kids?) or ginger ale, etc. The bread I mentioned is pretty good, it's sort of scone-like and can be made with currants or not. Corned Beef takes a while to make, if only because it simmers a long time, and I've never made it yet, but if you throw potatoes and carrots into the water when it's done, you'll have the best potatoes you'll ever eat.
We'll also put on music by the Chieftans, Silly Wizards, The High Kings, and others. My mom also likes a party to be about more than the food so she likes to have everyone tell a story or read a poem. One more tradition is to watch the Quiet Man but I could see how that might not be possible for a bigger party.

I do like the clover idea. My family never put much stock in the pinching part but just in case somebody feels out of place the clover will be nice. The games you have sound good, too. Try skittles, I think it's like bowling.

I can tell you've put in a whole lot of research and thought into this, but if there's anyone in particular who is making you feel bad, or small, you don't need their approval. If someone's opinion of you depends on your knowledge of a culture you didn't grow up with, their standards are kinda shady. At any appropriate party you won't need to cite your sources. Also don't be worried about representing an entire culture at once to your guests, because cultures are huge and complex so it's inevitable that you'll leave something out when you're planning a party.

So you're gonna be fine! Keep it simple and make sure you have help on the day because if you have to do all the cooking and setting up at the same time you'll go crazy. I hope you find someone Irish to answer the rest of your questions. :)

Hyborian · Jan 31, 2022 11:01 PM

As a Brit married to a man from an Irish family, all I can tell you is that over here, St Patrick's day usually coincides with the Cheltenham Festival (national hunt horse racing), and there is a huge contingent of Irish people at the races. Many more will be watching on the tv, and have a little 'flutter' on the races.
It is traditional to drink Guinness or Irish Stout (Dark beer), in fact so much so, that we now jokingly refer to it as St Guinness day.
Another tradition is the 'wearing of the green' i.e green clothing.
We don't eat any special food over here, but in the evening, most people will head out to a pub to watch an Irish band play live (and drink more Guinness!)

Sorry if that's not much help, but that's generally what happens in the UK, and I think it's pretty similar in Ireland. Hopefully someone from there will be along to comment soon.

Ktarpey · Feb 1, 2022 5:35 AM

I have never been to Ireland but I have Irish ancestry. I wont be of much help (sorry) but your post brought up a memory or two... I just wanted to share a St Patrick's day anecdote that I think is fun.

When my dad was growing up my grandpa would wake up early and paint his ears green, and tell my dad and aunts and uncles that a true Irishman's ears always turned green for St Patrick's day. We still gave pictures, he did it every year until his kids all moved out, I think, and then a few times more when he had grandkids staying for the holiday. Wouldn't surprise me if he did it even when there were no kids there, he was that kind of guy.

When I was a kid my dad would use food coloring to dye the whole jug of milk green for our breakfast. His story was that a leprechaun got into the house and caused some mischief. We also usually had green pancakes of some sort.

Obviously nothing traditional, but it was a tradition for my family and I love the memories. Thanks for bringing them up! :)

RoseFlute · Feb 1, 2022 7:24 AM

I just saw on Facebook that there's something called a St. Bridget's cross that Irish people make this time of year and leave overnight. It looks like it's made of basket straw and woven together. Could be a fun activity even if it's a couple weeks late by the 17th.

@Ktarpey That's so funny! We set up glasses on a green tablecloth and dropped green coloring into the bottoms so it wouldn't show easily, and then anything poured in would magically turn green from the bottle or pitcher to the glass.

Wildland Acres · Feb 1, 2022 10:12 AM

Thanks everyone! This has helped a lot! I am putting too much pressure on myself and trying to fly all crazy. Thanks for helping me get grounded

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