On March 17th, there is an annual international celebration called Saint Patrick’s Day. This holiday commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, who, as a fifth-generation missionary spreading Christianity within the country, was named the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Though this holiday was founded with religious roots, it has become a holiday to celebrate Irish culture. So, here are a few of my favorite fun facts about Ireland.
- I) The Irish Goodbye
This method of exiting an event consists of slipping away from a gathering and leaving promptly without announcing one’s exit. The original backstory of this phrase is the stereotype of drunkenness, which is often associated with Irish people. An Irish goodbye was initially determined by the subject being too intoxicated to say goodbye to an event’s host properly.
- II) Irish twins
This interesting alternative to sharing the same womb with a sibling describes two children who were born to the same mother within twelve months. Though its original intended purpose was to mock Catholic families based on stereotypes, it does have a unique way of bonding two siblings together – whether they’re Irish or not!
III) The Blarney Stone
Just outside of Cork City, Ireland, there is a historical landmark called Blarney Castle. Built into the castle, there is a carboniferous limestone block that is rumored to be “enchanted” according to Irish folklore. Legend says that upon kissing the Blarney Stone, the kisser will be endowed with the “gift of the gab,” which means the kisser will now become filled with charisma and charm.
- IV) Bram Stoker’s Dracula
The remarkable success of this piece of English literature can be largely credited to the fact that its author, Bram Stoker, is Irish. Much of the original novel can be connected to Irish folklore, which Stoker likely learned of during childhood. Dracula could largely be based on the mythological creature called the Abhartach, which is often known as the Irish vampire, and from the term “Dearg Due,” which means red thirst – resembling a vampire who rises from the dead seeking revenge. It has also been suggested that the name of the antagonist, Count Dracula, may have been coined from the Irish phrase, “Droch Ola”, which means bad blood. Though there are many more hidden details of the book that are likely related to Stoker’s Irish descent, most of the novel’s plot follows the antagonist, previously discussed.
There are many Irish traits blended into society today. During the month of March, and particularly the 17th, we celebrate the folklore, Gaelic language, and cultural values of the land. And, who knows, maybe next time you see the Hotel Transylvania movies or see a castle you’ll think of these specific quirks of the Republic of Ireland.
