Despite the country’s relatively small population, Irish culture is of great importance to the world’s heritage. For the most part, the Irish are very educated, well-mannered, and polite people. And they, like every nation, have their own traditions and customs. Let’s touch a little bit of history and culture of this magnificent country.
Traditions and Culture of Ireland
Probably the Irish are the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. Any guest is like a brother to them. And if you’re not from the UK, then you can safely address the residents with any request or question. To the British they harbor a kind of animosity and mistrust. Apparently, the time of English rule on Irish lands did not pass without a trace.
The traditions of Ireland are carefully guarded by the inhabitants. They love and honor them, and proudly tell the guests of the country about them. Dancing occupies a special place in their life. The Irish dance everywhere. They adore noisy feasts and celebrate all kinds of celebrations. At any celebration you can see their national dance where they move their legs very fast and energetically.
Another favorite tradition in Ireland are the fairs. As soon as it starts, this fun takes over the whole city. Magicians, musicians, actors, and acrobats entertain people from morning till night. The fun and noisy festivities don’t end until late at night.
Another custom of the Irish people refers to the New Year. On the eve of the holiday the doors of each house are left open, so that anyone who comes to visit, can feel at home.
In a conversation with an Irishman, you can bring up any topic except religion and political relations with England.
Another noteworthy point is that the Irish are not very fond of body contact. You should not go for a hug towards them. This is appropriate only at soccer or some global celebrations.
National costume
The national costume of the Irish man is generally considered to be the kilt, cloak, or sweater. However, these garments have undergone significant changes over time. No one would remember the real Irish national costume for sure. After all, its history began somewhere in the 6-7 century. At that time they were very simple clothes: a long linen shirt and a woolen cape, of course with a big hood.
Nevertheless, decorations were still there, but only for the rich stratum of the population. As a rule, they consisted in the embroidery of the upper tunic. It was by this embroidery that one could distinguish the rich from the poor and even determine a person’s occupation.
Today’s costumes have become very Europeanized. Pants and sweaters appeared, and skirts were shortened. Women’s dresses are decorated with ethnic patterns, and the kilt is mostly checked. The main color of clothing (and not only) is considered green. Additional colors are white and orange.
Culinary preferences
The cuisine is very simple and without extravagances. You can even say that the cuisine of Ireland is the Irish. Simple and unpretentious. And of course it’s delicious. Potatoes and meat are especially preferred. These are stew, colcannon, chump, fudge, Guinness beer pie, pickled herring, tea, beer and real Irish whiskey.
You don’t have to go to a restaurant to get a good meal. You can get a good meal anywhere. Even in an ordinary pub you can be served freshly baked bread and blood sausage. But don’t think that if the food is simple, it isn’t good. This is a great misconception.
St. Patrick’s Day
A special day for Irish culture is March 17. Everything around is transformed, taking on a solid green color. People, clothing, decorations, decorating and even beer turn green.
What is St. Patrick’s Day? This national holiday marks the arrival of spring and is considered the most important and important holiday in Ireland.
The people of the country make careful preparations to enjoy the holiday to the fullest. There are carnivals, fairs, feasts, music and dancing. It used to be a little different, though. The townspeople went to mass in church, celebrating the holiday in a more relaxed way.
The essential attribute of every Irishman on this day is a hat of various forms. The main thing is that it must be green and have the unchanging symbol of Ireland – trefoil.
So this is the culture of Ireland – distinctive, boisterous and very unusual.