Top o’ the morning to ya!
That’s right, today is that magical green holiday in which everyone celebrates their Irish heritage, no-matter authentic or fictional. My theory is that St. Patrick’s day is so popular because it is one the precious holidays with no obligations. No gifts to purchase or baked goods to prepare, the only requirements seem to be the adornment of various shades of green clothing, funny little hats, and participation in general celebration and merrymaking.
In the past we have attended parades, sampled home-made Irish fares (i.e. Corned Beef and Cabbage and various potato dishes), and had friends over to celebrate the first holiday of spring. Due primarily to our temporary housing situation and ill-timed sickness we were unable to indulge in the more festive of celebrations, but that does not mean we are without recognition.
I do have a fair bit of Irish heritage in my family, and as my primary extended family influence was delivered mainly from my mother’s side, the Henehans, it is unlikely I would forget this crucial holiday. So in my personal observance of this sacred green day I began reading “The Feckin’ Book of Irish History,” a gift both my brother and I received for Christmas from, (surprise surprise) our Mother.
I rediscovered this book at the perfect time as I had just completed my previous read “The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America’s Man-made Landscape” by James Howard Kunstler earlier this week. It is my intention to provide a brief discussion of that book shortly, as I intend to provide upon completion of “The Feckin’ Book of Irish History” as well.
How are you celebrating your Irish heritage, or masking your disappointment in your lack-there-of?
