Get a green shirt or dress to wear for the holiday

Going green this holiday season can ensure you have an outfit that expresses your kindness and nature-loving spirit. A green dress or shirt will provide a true statement piece for any festive event. You can be sure that the texture, color and fabric of your new wardrobe addition will put a smile on anyone’s face and give off the perfect amount of cheer. If you’re still looking to add something extra to your look, why not consider pairing it with some stylish accessories? With these trendy extras, you could easily bring more life to your holiday festivities.

Add some shamrocks or other green accessories to your outfit

One great way to add some Irish luck to your casino 1$ deposit outing this St. Patrick’s Day is by adding some green shamrocks or other accessories to your outfit. Not only will you show everyone else at the casino your festive spirit, but it may also bring some luck in the “luck of the Irish” sense! Shamrocks can be attached to your collars, hats, and purses for a subtle hint of extra luck as you spend the day gambling. If a pin just isn’t your style, break out in something green with perhaps a tie or a dress. For those looking for luck without any fuss or muss, an emerald bracelet or ring might do the trick without having to completely adjust your casino outfit. Adding a splash of extra green could make all the difference on St. Patrick’s Day!

Make sure you have green shoes or socks to complete the look

When it comes to putting the final touches on an outfit, green shoes or socks can make a big difference. Whether you’re going for a formal look with a business suit or something more casual like jeans and a t-shirt, having the right detail in your feet can really tie your look together. Green is a great color to choose as it’s universally flattering, versatile, and simple to pair with most items in your wardrobe. Don’t underestimate the power of accessorising; taking slight risks with footwear and other small details can really give your look that ‘wow’ factor. With green shoes or socks in your rotation, you’ll be ready for any occasion.

If you’re feeling really festive, paint your face green!

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to show your excitement for the holidays, why not opt to paint your face green? It’s a great alternative to wearing traditional festive costumes and it’s sure to surprise everyone you meet. The possibilities are endless when it comes to unique designs and they won’t cost you much either. You can also have a blast using glitter, rhinestones and all sorts of other sparkly decorations – the more creative, the better! If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not create an entire holiday look complete with sparkling ears and antlers? Get creative and have fun this season with a painted green face!

Take lots of pictures to remember the day

As special moments and events quickly become distant memories, pictures keep the day alive in our minds. Photos are a great way to capture the unique atmosphere and emotions of the event, telling a story that can be shared with friends and family. From field trips to birthday parties, taking lots of pictures will ensure you never forget all the happy times you have had with your loved ones. Photos are one of life’s treasures that provide lasting memories for years to come.

So there you have it, five easy and fun ways to make sure you’re celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the right way – by looking good! Whether you go all out with a face painted or just add a green scarf to your outfit, make sure you get into the holiday spirit and show your friends and family how much Irish pride you have!

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Irish culture has only a few divisions between people with different religions and languages. That is why more and more immigrants are arriving in this place today.

Way of Life

The people of Ireland are known to be very hospitable and friendly. Family is very important in Ireland. Traditions of Irish culture can be seen in Irish villages. There is a great deal of tradition followed here, which is in great contrast to modern life in Irish cities. There are also many people in Ireland who live in luxurious mansions.

Modern Irish people are used to communicating with each other more openly. They believe it is better to talk about their feelings than to hold them back.

English is still the main language in Ireland. Although the national dialect can be heard in many villages. Irish originated with the Celts, so some older Irish can speak traditional Irish as well.

Houses here are still built according to the old traditions and style. Bright cheerful colors can be seen on the walls of most homes with colorful doors. And in Ireland, these are most often houses with a terrace, and central heating has replaced the traditional fireplaces here.

Activities and Industries

Farming in Irish culture has been around for a very long time. In the old days, keeping cattle gave the Irish a definitely high status. In the past, men did all the main work on the farm. Women were usually only involved in selling the resulting products. Today, however, women are actively involved in farming as well. Agriculture has always been the main activity in Ireland. Large quantities of produce were imported all over the world. To this day, Irish farmers are known to use the old ways of farming. Some of the most basic products in Ireland are meat, milk, barley, turnips, wheat, etc. Ireland’s industry also thrives in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and even fishing.

Religion

Although there is no designated official religion in Ireland, there is a strong preference for Catholicism. However, you may find Roman Catholics, Christians, Jews, Presbyterians, and even other religions such as Islam.

Music and Dance

The Irish are known throughout the world for their love of music and dance. Traditional music still holds a strong priority on the country’s music scene, despite the influences of various music from abroad. There are a huge number of musical groups that play folk music. Famous among the musicians was Torla O’Carolan, who composed more than 200 compositions. Celtic music is also a part of Irish culture. Irish musicians are becoming famous all over the world, not only in their own country. In the twentieth century, the session-note (an ancient form of Irish narrative song) gained great importance. In classical Irish music, the excellent flutist James Galway distinguished himself. Classical Irish music was revived only a few years ago, mainly influenced by the division of the island into northern and southern parts. Northern Ireland now belongs to the United Kingdom and the southern part to the Republic of Ireland.

Irish dance is so beautiful that it can fascinate even those who do not have a special love for dance. Riverdance is a very popular group that performs many Irish dances. Tap dance remains popular here to this day. And as for the séance-nose dance, the old traditional tap dance and its modern variations, they are very popular all over the world.

Literature and art

Ireland is the land of a great many of the best writers of all time. Four Nobel Prize winners in literature (20th century) wrote their masterpieces in this beautiful place. Writers such as Oscar Wilde and William Butler made great contributions to literature. The art of cinema and painting is also an integral part of Irish culture. Irish art is evidenced by carvings in New Grange and medieval manuscripts.

Food

Stories of ancient Irish culture often mention honey. Of meat, the Irish preferred poultry. Potatoes became an integral part of the diet of the Irish working class. Today eating habits are shaped by the influence of the world. Although meat has always been a staple food in Ireland, fast food has also become popular. New Irish foods are being produced in large quantities to support a healthy diet among the Irish, mainly fresh vegetables.
Although traditional Irish culture is not as visible today because of pub culture, it can still be seen in different parts of Ireland.

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The Construction of Irish National Identity

Since the formation of the Irish Free State in the early 1920s, the Irish have sought to define their identity in terms of their opposition to the British, leading to the identification and further cultivation of distinctive features such as Gaelic nationalism and Catholicism. The constitution of 1937 made Catholicism the state religion, granting the Church unlimited powers in the fields of culture and education, transforming Ireland into a patriarchal society with a strong emphasis on religious Christian values.

Cultural and media censorship, prompted by the belief that foreign ideals were detrimental to the moral state of Irish society, resulted in Ireland’s cultural and informational isolation from the rest of the world. It follows that Irish society was in a state of cultural stagnation until the middle of the twentieth century. The formation of a positive Irish identity both in Ireland itself and within the Diaspora was burdened by the presence of national inferiority and insecurity complexes associated with such tragic moments of Irish history as prolonged colonization, loss of the Irish language, the Great Famine of 1845-1849, military occupation, the Civil War, etc. Underestimation of national self-esteem was exacerbated by well-established negative perceptions of the Irish in various countries.

The Weakening Power of the Catholic Church

The gradual weakening of the Catholic Church’s power inevitably led to significant changes in the field of culture. Whereas in the 1970s Irish culture was tightly controlled by the Church and was not able to develop along with the gradually growing economy, since the early 1980s there has been a significant convergence between the economic and cultural spheres. Economic growth, in turn, weakened the influence of the Catholic Church, introducing new social values based on individualism and materialism. Traditional Catholic values, which had dominated society and hindered its cultural and economic development, receded for the first time in Irish history.

The weakening of the Catholic Church in the 1990s was also caused by a series of high-profile scandals in which Catholic clergy were accused of pedophilia and other sex crimes. As a result, the reputation of the Catholic Church was irrevocably damaged. Ordinary believers had the impression that many crimes had been hidden from them for decades. The Catholic Church has not experienced such a crisis of confidence in the history of Ireland.

It is precisely because of growing public alienation and disillusionment with the institution of the church itself that participation in religious life has declined significantly. The Catholic Church has lost a significant portion of its power and authority. Today’s Irish prefer to rely on the constitution, the law, and their own common sense. However, the collapse of the institution of the Catholic Church in Ireland is coupled with piety, the cult of revered saints and the Virgin Mary. This is evidence of the fact that religious faith and personal spirituality are still important and strong in Irish society.

The Causes of the Identity Crisis and its Resolution

The gradual urbanization, industrialization, modernization and secularization of Ireland that began in the 1950s led to a blurring of the basic differences between Ireland and Great Britain, which became particularly evident precisely during the period of the “Celtic Tiger. As a result, the construction of an identity in opposition to Britain was no longer possible. Despite a number of positive changes, as a result of which the Irish were finally able to call themselves “prosperous Europeans,” overcome historical trauma and partially regain their lost sense of national pride, the continued inability to build their identity “from the other side,” as well as the loss of previous values led to an identity crisis, the need to seek answers to the questions “Who are we?”, “How are we different not only from the British, but also from other European peoples?

It can be argued that during the years of the “Celtic Tiger” there was an awareness of the need to preserve and disseminate Irish culture as an essential component of national identity. The understanding of the fact that it is the traditional culture that contains the fundamental values of the Irish people, untouched by modernization, that can save the country from national depersonalization, contributes to the growth of public attention to its cultural heritage. The desire to preserve and disseminate Irish culture can be seen at the government level. In addition to government programs to support and raise the profile of the Irish language, there has been an increase in the number of Irish cultural festivals in the country.

The growth of interest in Ireland

A positive aspect of the country’s economic transformation has been the fact that the growth of interest in Ireland by other nations has automatically spread to the field of culture. It can be argued that the initial wave of interest in Irish culture, especially in the fields of literature, drama, cinema, music, dance, has had a positive effect on the personal self-esteem of Irish artists as well as on the self-image of society as a whole, and has also helped to resolve the identity crisis by helping to answer the question “How are we different from the rest of Europe?

“Ireland is an island of poets and storytellers,” “Ulysses is the national emblem of Ireland,” “Riverdance is an Irish cultural extravaganza,” “St. Patrick’s Day is the calling card of Ireland,” “Irish and Celtic motifs are an international musical language. These slogans are an important component of the national brand of Ireland as well as the image of the Irish diaspora at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. They position Ireland as a country of rich cultural traditions, raising the national self-esteem and strengthening the sense of pride in one’s country. We can conclude that for Ireland in the 1990s the cultural component of the national identity came to the fore.

The Influence of Irish Emigration on Irish Culture

It cannot be claimed that Irish culture was completely isolated until the disappearance of the Green Curtain. Thanks to the constant emigration movement, it spread to countries with an Irish diaspora. Largely due to the large number of negative stereotypes about the Irish that created an alienating attitude toward them by members of other nations, Irish culture did not attract much interest outside Irish communities. Still, it was in a state of constant development and partial synthesis with other cultures, while at the same time being an important component of the identity of the Irish Diaspora.

Within the Irish communities abroad, the intensification in the dissemination of Irish culture was caused by the destruction of negative stereotypes, a change from a suspicious attitude towards the Irish to a friendly one, the acquisition of pride in their ancestral country, which at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries turned from a backward isolated state into a “prize country”, a “winning country”.

The strengthening of relations with the Irish diaspora during the years of Mary Robinson, the first president of the “Celtic Tiger” period, led to the realization that Irishness has no territorial limits and is pluralistic. Accordingly, this is also true of Irish culture. The historically conditioned diversity, openness and adaptability of Irish culture allowed it to find its place and develop in the mainstream of English-language mass culture, which is especially clear in the areas of music, dance, drama. Thus, the Irishization of popular culture would not have been possible without the active participation of the international Irish community. During the Celtic Tiger years, the diaspora helped to satisfy international interest in Irish culture outside Ireland itself.

The rise in popularity of Irish dancing

It is noteworthy that the first Riverdance number and the new name of Ireland’s period of economic growth, “Celtic Tiger”, were born in the same 1994. The question of how the seven-minute Riverdance number, performed out of competition at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Dublin, managed to attract so much attention is still of interest to many critics and researchers, most of whom agree that the Irish dancers were in the right place at the right time. “Eurovision” gave previously little-known Irish dance something it never had: a stage, a set, light, and most importantly, an audience. The emergence of Riverdance is a watershed moment in the history of Irish dance. The success of Riverdance at the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as the realization of the need to further focus international attention on Irish culture, an important element of which is the national dance, led to the decision to produce a two-hour show, called “Riverdance – The Show. Riverdance – The Show” has influenced Irish dance culture, revolutionizing the history of Irish national dance and reawakening popular interest in it. This dance show is a direct testament to the modernization of Irish culture, reflecting a change in national consciousness: “The directors of Riverdance took Irish dance, which seemed to be part of the faded world of Irish cultural nationalism, renewed it and, at the same time, returned it to its original form. They returned to dance the missing element of sexuality and sensuality that had been completely destroyed by a mixture of nationalist puritanism and Catholic piety.

The large number of diverse Irish dance shows created since their ancestor is a testament to the popularity of Irish dance. These include the show of the first Riverdance soloist Michael Flatley Lord of the Dance, as well as performances of Spirit of the Dance, Dancing on Dangerous Ground, Magic of the Dance, Gaelforce Dance, Rhythm of the Dance, Ragus, Dance Invasion, Dancing Thru the Ages, Celtic Feet, To Dance on the Moon, etc.

St. Patrick’s Day

The gradual spread of St. Patrick’s Day abroad began in the early 1990s. Already in the early 1990s the Irish were open to the dialogue of cultures, partially got rid of old national complexes and realized the importance of the cultural component of Irish identity. The declaration of March 1991 as Irish-American Heritage Month in the United States was extremely positive for Irish self-esteem. This event allowed the Irish to realize the great potential of their national holiday.

However, the further large-scale spread of St. Patrick’s Day became possible only after its complete transformation in Ireland itself. It can be argued that it was the growth of national consciousness that led to the further spread of the holiday, first in Ireland and then beyond its borders.

The transformation of a religious festival into a noisy secular celebration, which nevertheless begins with Irish attendance at Mass, reflected the national identity of modern Ireland, where the loss of Catholic values and the authority of the church is combined with personal spirituality and religiosity. The St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin was aimed at strengthening the motivation to participate in cultural events primarily by Irish citizens. The organization of large-scale celebrations had a positive effect on the patriotic feelings of Irish people, helped resolve the “identity crisis” and brought the generations closer together, involving both children and teenagers and senior citizens in the celebration. The holiday also served as an occasion to draw international attention to the country, to build and consolidate the positive image of Ireland, which combines modernity and tradition.

The appeal of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland and abroad is also due to the fact that people of different nationalities are encouraged to be not only observers, but also active participants in the festivities. They are given the opportunity to take part in parades, dance parties, street theater, and various contests. Thanks to this feature, St. Patrick’s Day acquires its specific features in different countries and adheres to different national cultural calendars. This leads to the mutual enrichment of cultures, to the establishment of friendly relations, and has a positive effect on the image of Ireland, positioning the Irish as a friendly, open, good-natured, active and merry people. The active work of the Irish overseas community in spreading St. Patrick’s Day abroad, supported by the Irish government, reflects the diversity of the modern Irish identity and emphasizes the impossibility of its territorial limitation. The participation of Irish government dignitaries in international celebrations gives the holiday a particularly important status, enhancing the interest of citizens of various countries in Ireland and its cultural traditions.

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January 1 – New Year

February 1 – St. Brigid’s Day, Imbolc, the first day of spring.

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day and Independence Day of Ireland. A big holiday for the Irish. On this day you can watch musical performances and try the national cuisine.

The last Friday before Easter is Good Friday.

May 1 – Beltane, the first day of summer.

First Monday in May – Easter Monday

First Monday in June – June Feast

August 1 – Lughnassad, first day of autumn and harvest

First Monday in August – Feast of August

22 September – Mabon, day of the autumnal equinox

Last Monday of October – October Holiday

31 October – Halloween – All Saints’ Day Eve (Samhain)

25 December – Christmas

December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day

Often the celebration of pagan and Christian holidays coincide.

Irish Religious Holidays in Honor of the Saints

The Irish are a very religious people. It is not surprising, therefore, that important national holidays in Ireland include special days associated with the names of the saints revered in this country.

On the first day of February the Irish celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day with special reverence – it is believed that it was Brigid who helped the Virgin Mary in childbirth. On this day, woven reed crosses are hung on the front doors of Irish homes, and ribbons and paper strips are hung on trees and shrubs. The Irish believe that all this brings prosperity to their home.

But the most important among Ireland’s national holidays is, of course, St. Patrick’s Day, the patron saint and protector of Ireland.

Celebrations take place all day and night, March 17, in one of the most unusual ways.

The Irish believe in the legend that St. Patrick learned long before his death the date of his demise and commanded to remember him on this day with merriment rather than lamentation. And the Irish have never yet broken his request.

Every year, the Feast of St. Patrick in Ireland is celebrated with a boisterous parade, where “both young and old” dress up in the world-famous red wigs and funny green caps, armed with a pot of clover, and have fun to the melodious Irish music. And as night falls, hundreds of fireworks are lit in the sky in praise of St. Patrick.

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They receive an unusual inheritance

It is customary for heirs to wait for landed property or at least a small chest of family heirlooms. The inhabitants of rainy Ireland have made a pun of sorts with this tradition: a hat is considered the main treasure passed from father to son, an irreplaceable thing in such capricious weather.

They don’t eat when they visit

The Irish have a strange peculiarity: they feel uncomfortable when being a guest, that’s why most of the meetings are moved to the beloved pubs. If you manage to drag a reluctant neighbor for dinner, be prepared that he may refuse your cooking with a nonchalant look. Either the Irishman eats his own food or he makes do with fast food. Such are the principles of taste.

They can’t do without black humor

Conversation is a favorite pastime of the Irish. But don’t expect a muffled conversation by the fireplace: even close friends here can’t do without black humor. And if you’re lucky enough to get a compliment, the next phrase will bring you back down to earth. Irony is honored on the island, so the islanders don’t think about offending each other.

They like to argue

Arguing is a national weakness of the Irish. You will be encouraged to discuss their position, and if you actively disagree, blame yourself. Dispute drags on for hours: jumping from topic to topic, the Irish deftly change the shades of conversation, and the most serious debate can turn into a joke.

They shoot partridges right in town

The Irish actively take advantage of their proximity to nature. In Dublin, for example, it’s not unusual to get away from business in the middle of the work week and go hunting with the dog, and then check the mailbox in the evening of the same day and go back to the daily grind. And the smaller townspeople quietly shoot grouse and fish right in the city limits: chances are good to catch a nice trout for dinner.

They’re crazy about horses

The heart of every Irishman is traditionally filled with love for horses. Indeed, a frolicking racehorse in the wild is a sight worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. The inhabitants of Ireland’s small towns are especially crazy about horses: racing is often the only thing that stirs their interest. Here, a thoroughbred walking along the highway is more exciting than a brand-new Rolls-Royce. And if there’s a horse in town that’s ready for a race, it becomes a local celebrity.

They’re specialists in gerundology

The cheerful disposition of the Irish is evident in all sorts of quirks: it’s great fun to brighten up your observations with a quirky phrase! You may hear something like, “It’s so cold here that even a wild duck would catch rheumatism!” or “We have so little cold water in the house that there isn’t even enough to christen a witch.” The residents’ wild imagination also links the unique natural scenery with a multitude of incredibly funny events that have supposedly happened here, with the most absurd incident being told with the most serious look.

They drink till they drop

Ireland’s beer drinking culture is one of the best in the world – you can’t really have a good evening without a visit to the pub. The only problem is that it’s difficult to go home at a glide gait, because most Irish people drink in a circular system. It means that in companies everyone buys beer for everyone in turn and it is considered disrespectful to leave the meeting before the circle is over. Thus, in companies of more than three people your chances of staying on your feet are extremely slim, given the famous strength of the Irish stout.

The state pays for their hangovers

Continuing the theme of the Irish people’s traditional boundless love of beer drinks, it is impossible not to mention their caring government. If a citizen has been suffering from alcoholism for more than a year, he can apply for help from a special medical commission. After checking the person is recognized as an addict, and the state is obliged to pay him 12 pounds a day, so that the sick person could buy himself a drink, and not steal or take money from the family.

They are incorrigible retrogrades

The Irish are, one might say, quite indifferent to the Industrial Revolution and mechanization. If possible, they would rather prefer something more traditional. So, today on the railroads of Ireland you can find locomotives from the early 20th century (of course, restored and in good condition). What to say about the unconditional superiority of horses over cars!

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