A wild horse can be tamed by whispering the Creed into his left ear on Wednesday and into his right ear on Friday. The procedure is repeated until the horse is calmed.
If a bird flew into the house it was to insure death.
A purse made from a weasel would never be empty.
It is unlucky to knit at night until you were certain the sheep were asleep.
It is fortunate to hear a cuckoo call - but only if it was on your right side.
If a child is born before noon, they would not be able to see spirits or the good people, but if they were born at night, the child would have the gift.
It is unlucky to build an house extension from the rear, especially if it faces west. A story is told that one family defied the custom with tragedy as the result when they lost two menfolk at sea and a third went mad.
It is common to give a "lucky penny" to the buyer of livestock, which is giving a portion of the sale back to the seller when a deal is made. Spitting on the palm and slapping the hand of the customer seals the deal. A man's status within a community is determined by the size of the "luck penny" he habitually gives.
A stocking filled with hot potatoes and applied to the throat cures tonsillitis.
Shaving on Sunday caused toothaches; carrying a haddock's jawbone prevented them.
Boiled daisies relieve sore eyes.
Kepl boiled in milk cures boils.
Unsalted butter rubbed on a stitch in the side makes it go away.
Rubbing warts with fresh-cut potatoes and burying the potato in the garden would cure the growth.
Changing the name of a boat is said to change its luck.
Coins dropped overboard would cause a storm.
It is unlucky to keep the first salmon of the season.
Taking short-cuts from established routes along the shore is unlucky.
Water that is used to wash feet is never thrown out at night. And when it is thrown out, one must always be careful to warn the good people.
Falling soot, color changes in frogs, curlews calling, midges biting, and swallows flying low all foretell changes for good or ill.
Big shoals foretell a plentiful harvest.
If there are three boats together, they must be lashed all together for it is unlucky to be the third boat out.
Sharks are not hunted on Sunday.
No family called Cregan or Kerry will not be drowned.
Bad weather comes from greedy pollock.
Boarding a boat from the right or coal thrown after a fisherman boards his boat brings good luck.
Porpoises swimming near shore, lobster and crabs on rocks, seaulls and other sea-birds flying in-land are all signs of bad weather.
If you drink nettle soup on May 1, you will be free of rheumatism for a year.
It is unlucky to go on a trip on St. Martins Eve and the Feast of St. Martin on November 10 and 11.
On January 6, the day of Ephiphany, a tail of a herring is rubbed across the eyes of children to protect hem from disease for the rest of the year.
A straw from the Nativity scene is put up into rafters on St. Brigid's Day, February 1, to protect against evil spirits or to cure ringworm.
Some believe that it is only safe to travel in a boat when steered by a new bride.
It is lucky to sow potatoes on Good Friday.
Taking short cuts on all Souls Day, November 2, cause fear that they would be led astray.
It is unlucky to move a house, get married, begin a big project, or take an overnight journey on Saturday.
Carry a rabbit's foot for good luck. (The rabbit is a pagan symbol, quite offensive to Christianity)
If a stray cat comes into the house, make every effort to make it stay, but if you move, leave it behind.
Never look at a cat right after it rubs its face with its paws - the first person the cat looks at will be the first person in the house to die.
If a crow flys directly over a home, it is an omen of death.
Whenever a rooster crows, the saying is quoted, "God between us and all harm," no doubt a reference to the betrayal of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.
Position a horseshoe above a door with the points up so that luck will not run out.
If you are an Irish bride, make sure a horseshoe is included with all your ensemble.
It used to be that Irish mothers would purposefully make their children unattractive, for beautiful things were much sought after treasure.
Crossed knives on a counter top indicates arguments to come.
Do not open an umbrella in the house.
Do not let lilacs bloom inside a home.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
WINTER FESTIVALS: SAINT BRIGID'S DAY
QUOTED
"In the old days February 1st was considered the start of the growth season. After Christianity was introduced, Saint Brigid (Bridie) was honored instead of the pagan gods.
In many places in rural Ireland people still make Brigid Crosses to honor her.
Pageants take place at schools and churches with young women carrying green rushes.
On the eve of this festival, crosses are woven of rushes and hung for a year above the doors of houses and barns. These crosses are believed to protect the house and the livestock from harm and fire. No evil spirit is told can pass through these charms.
A small folk play is enacted in which a girl playing the part of Brigid brings rushes to the door and is allowed inside. She blesses the family, eats with them, and helps them make crosses."
"In the old days February 1st was considered the start of the growth season. After Christianity was introduced, Saint Brigid (Bridie) was honored instead of the pagan gods.
In many places in rural Ireland people still make Brigid Crosses to honor her.
Pageants take place at schools and churches with young women carrying green rushes.
On the eve of this festival, crosses are woven of rushes and hung for a year above the doors of houses and barns. These crosses are believed to protect the house and the livestock from harm and fire. No evil spirit is told can pass through these charms.
A small folk play is enacted in which a girl playing the part of Brigid brings rushes to the door and is allowed inside. She blesses the family, eats with them, and helps them make crosses."
WINTER FESTIVALS: SAINT STEPHEN'S DAY
Celtic myth had it that the robin that was suppose to represent the New Year killed the wren which represented the Old Year during this time. Wren Boys blacken their faces and go from hous to house asking for money to bury the wren. The money they collect is used to buy food and drink for the "wren dance" held on this night.
St. Stephen's Day honors the first Christianity martyr, stoned to death shortly after the Crucifixion.
St. Stephen's Day is a national holiday in Ireland, but the celebrations have little connection to the Saint.
In Ireland, St. Stephen's Day is the day for "Hunting the Wren" or "Going on the Wren." Originally, groups of small boys would hunt for a wren, and then chase the bird until they either have caught it or it has died from exhaustion. The dead bird was tied to the top of a pole or holly bush, which was decorated with ribbons or colored paper.
Early in the morning of St. Stephen's Day, the wren was carried from house to house by the boys, who wore straw masks or blackened their faces with burnt cork, and dressed in old clothes. At each house, the boys sing the Wren Boys' song, such as:
The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
On St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze,
Although he is little, his family is great,
I pray you, good landlady, give us a treat.
My box would speak, if it hd but a tongue,
And two or three shillings, would do it not wrong,
Sing holly, sing ivy -- sing ivy, sing holly,
A drop just to drink it, it would drown melancholy.
And if you draw it of the best,
I hope in heaven your soul will rest;
But if you draw it of the small,
It won't agree with these wren boys at all.
Sometimes those who gave money were given a feather fromt he wren for good luck. The money collected by the Wren Boys was used to hold a dance for the whole village.
There are different legends about the origin of this custom. One is that St. Stephen, hiding from his enemies in a bush, was betrayed by a chattering wren. The wren, like St. Stephen, should be hunted down and stoned to death. Another legend holds that during the Viking raids of the 700's, Irish soldiers were betrayed by a wren as they were sneaking up on a Viking camp int he dead of night. A wren began to eat breadcrumbs left on the head of a drum, and the rat-a-tat-tat of its beak woke the drummer, who sounded the alarm and woke the camp, leading to the defet of the Irish soldiers and the continuing persecution of the wren."
St. Stephen's Day honors the first Christianity martyr, stoned to death shortly after the Crucifixion.
St. Stephen's Day is a national holiday in Ireland, but the celebrations have little connection to the Saint.
In Ireland, St. Stephen's Day is the day for "Hunting the Wren" or "Going on the Wren." Originally, groups of small boys would hunt for a wren, and then chase the bird until they either have caught it or it has died from exhaustion. The dead bird was tied to the top of a pole or holly bush, which was decorated with ribbons or colored paper.
Early in the morning of St. Stephen's Day, the wren was carried from house to house by the boys, who wore straw masks or blackened their faces with burnt cork, and dressed in old clothes. At each house, the boys sing the Wren Boys' song, such as:
The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
On St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze,
Although he is little, his family is great,
I pray you, good landlady, give us a treat.
My box would speak, if it hd but a tongue,
And two or three shillings, would do it not wrong,
Sing holly, sing ivy -- sing ivy, sing holly,
A drop just to drink it, it would drown melancholy.
And if you draw it of the best,
I hope in heaven your soul will rest;
But if you draw it of the small,
It won't agree with these wren boys at all.
Sometimes those who gave money were given a feather fromt he wren for good luck. The money collected by the Wren Boys was used to hold a dance for the whole village.
There are different legends about the origin of this custom. One is that St. Stephen, hiding from his enemies in a bush, was betrayed by a chattering wren. The wren, like St. Stephen, should be hunted down and stoned to death. Another legend holds that during the Viking raids of the 700's, Irish soldiers were betrayed by a wren as they were sneaking up on a Viking camp int he dead of night. A wren began to eat breadcrumbs left on the head of a drum, and the rat-a-tat-tat of its beak woke the drummer, who sounded the alarm and woke the camp, leading to the defet of the Irish soldiers and the continuing persecution of the wren."
WINTER FESTIVALS: CHRISTMAS
QUOTED
"In Ireland until December when streets are lined with lit decorations and live Christmas trees are often mounted like flag staffs from building fronts.
Outside Christmas lights can be seen on a few homes but the big decorating efforts take place inside. A live Christmas tree is the center of the efforts, with lights and ornaments. Decorative garlands of paper or foil crisscross the rooms of many homes and mistletoe graces the doorways.
Santa Clau and his helpers can be found at many malls and department stores to take Christmas wish lists or for the very lucky children a trip to visit his workshop in Lapland can be arranged.
Gifts for friends and from family members to each other pile up under the Christmas tree in the days before Christmas and as everywhere a lot fo squeezing, shaking and guessing goes on, but in the back of everyone's mind is what Santa will bring on Christmas morning.
The children's presents are left in each child's gifts in their room, often in a pillow case at the end of the bed, though sometimes a large gift may be left unwrapped under the tree. Christmas stockings are a tradition with some families and are hung Christmas Eve for Santa to fill. He arrives quite late as Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is still a strong tradition for many families and the chimeny is his main entrance into most homes.
As with holiday traditions everywhere, food plays a big part of celebration in Ireland and, just like esle where, there is some variation from family to family. A fairly traditional menu for Christmas dinner includes either Goose or Turkey with stuffing, ham, roasted and boiled potatoes, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, parsnips, and any other family favorites, followed by Christmas cake or a Christmas pudding.
A favorite treat throughout the Christmas season are small minemeat pies.
They prepare spiritually. From the beginning of advent add prayers to usual devotions. Children should say additional Paters and Aves and to count them. Be especially sure to be 'a hardy annual' and be sure to go to church.
Many days before the festival clean house and farmyard thoroughly. Men clean outbuildings and yard entrances, passageways, and surroundings. White-wash all buildings inside and out. Women sweep, wash, and clean the house. Do major laundering - include everything. Clean tables and chairs with sand. Clean pots and pans."
"In Ireland until December when streets are lined with lit decorations and live Christmas trees are often mounted like flag staffs from building fronts.
Outside Christmas lights can be seen on a few homes but the big decorating efforts take place inside. A live Christmas tree is the center of the efforts, with lights and ornaments. Decorative garlands of paper or foil crisscross the rooms of many homes and mistletoe graces the doorways.
Santa Clau and his helpers can be found at many malls and department stores to take Christmas wish lists or for the very lucky children a trip to visit his workshop in Lapland can be arranged.
Gifts for friends and from family members to each other pile up under the Christmas tree in the days before Christmas and as everywhere a lot fo squeezing, shaking and guessing goes on, but in the back of everyone's mind is what Santa will bring on Christmas morning.
The children's presents are left in each child's gifts in their room, often in a pillow case at the end of the bed, though sometimes a large gift may be left unwrapped under the tree. Christmas stockings are a tradition with some families and are hung Christmas Eve for Santa to fill. He arrives quite late as Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is still a strong tradition for many families and the chimeny is his main entrance into most homes.
As with holiday traditions everywhere, food plays a big part of celebration in Ireland and, just like esle where, there is some variation from family to family. A fairly traditional menu for Christmas dinner includes either Goose or Turkey with stuffing, ham, roasted and boiled potatoes, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, parsnips, and any other family favorites, followed by Christmas cake or a Christmas pudding.
A favorite treat throughout the Christmas season are small minemeat pies.
They prepare spiritually. From the beginning of advent add prayers to usual devotions. Children should say additional Paters and Aves and to count them. Be especially sure to be 'a hardy annual' and be sure to go to church.
Many days before the festival clean house and farmyard thoroughly. Men clean outbuildings and yard entrances, passageways, and surroundings. White-wash all buildings inside and out. Women sweep, wash, and clean the house. Do major laundering - include everything. Clean tables and chairs with sand. Clean pots and pans."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
'LUCKY' IRISH TOASTS
May the luck of the Irish
Lead to happiest heights
And the highway you travel
Be lined with green lights.
Wherever you go and whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish be there with you.
If you're enough lucky to be Irish...
You're lucky enough!
May you have all the happiness
and luck that life can hold -
And at the end of all your rainbows
may you find a pot of gold.
May your pockets be heavy -
Your heart be light,
And may good luck pursue you
Each morning and night.
Lead to happiest heights
And the highway you travel
Be lined with green lights.
Wherever you go and whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish be there with you.
If you're enough lucky to be Irish...
You're lucky enough!
May you have all the happiness
and luck that life can hold -
And at the end of all your rainbows
may you find a pot of gold.
May your pockets be heavy -
Your heart be light,
And may good luck pursue you
Each morning and night.
IRISH EVERYDAY TOASTS
May you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows you're dead.
May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.
May your heart be light and happy,
May your smile be big and wide,
And may your pockets always have
a coin or two inside!
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May you always have a clean shirt, a clear
conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!
May the face of every good news and the back of every bad news be towards us.
May neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May you have the hindsight to know where you've
been,
The foresight to know where you are going,
And the insight to know when you have gone too
far.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse
than the happiest day of your past.
May those that love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, and never catch up.
May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head. May you be forty years in heaven before the devil knows you're dead.
May your mornings bring joy
and your evenings bring peace...
May your troubles grow less
as your blessings increase!
May you get all your wishes but one,
so that you will always have something to strive for!
May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.
May your heart be light and happy,
May your smile be big and wide,
And may your pockets always have
a coin or two inside!
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
May you always have a clean shirt, a clear
conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!
May the face of every good news and the back of every bad news be towards us.
May neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
May you have the hindsight to know where you've
been,
The foresight to know where you are going,
And the insight to know when you have gone too
far.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse
than the happiest day of your past.
May those that love us, love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, and never catch up.
May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head. May you be forty years in heaven before the devil knows you're dead.
May your mornings bring joy
and your evenings bring peace...
May your troubles grow less
as your blessings increase!
May you get all your wishes but one,
so that you will always have something to strive for!
IRISH TOASTS to FRIENDS and FAMILY
May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.
There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
Here's to you and yours,
And to mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever come
Across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
As much for mine and ours,
As mine and ours have done
For you and yours!
To live above with the Saints we love,
Ah, that is the purest glory.
To live below with the Saints we know,
Ah, that is another story!
May the lilt of Irish laughter
lighten every load.
May the mist of Irish magic
shorten every road...
And may all your friends remember
all the favours you are owed!
Here's to the land of the shamrock so green,
Here's to each lad and his darlin colleen,
Here's to the ones we love dearest and most.
May God bless old Ireland, that's this Irishman's toast!
I have known many,
and liked not a few,
but loved only one
and this toast is to you.
There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
Here's to you and yours,
And to mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever come
Across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
As much for mine and ours,
As mine and ours have done
For you and yours!
To live above with the Saints we love,
Ah, that is the purest glory.
To live below with the Saints we know,
Ah, that is another story!
May the lilt of Irish laughter
lighten every load.
May the mist of Irish magic
shorten every road...
And may all your friends remember
all the favours you are owed!
Here's to the land of the shamrock so green,
Here's to each lad and his darlin colleen,
Here's to the ones we love dearest and most.
May God bless old Ireland, that's this Irishman's toast!
I have known many,
and liked not a few,
but loved only one
and this toast is to you.
IRISH TOASTS to DRINKING
A bird with one wing can't fly, - said to encourage someone to take a second drink
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!
That the tap may be open when it rusts!
My friends are the best friends
Loyal, willing and able.
Now let's get to drinking!
All glasses off the table!
Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold pint ---and another one!
Here's to a temperance supper,
With water in glasses tall,
And coffee and tea to end with --
And me not there at all!
When money's tight and hard to get,
and your horse is also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt,
a pint of plain is your only man.
Here's to being single...
Drinking doubles...
And seeing triple!
I drink to your health when I'm with you,
I drink to your health when I'm alone,
I drink to your health so often,
I'm starting to worry about my own!
Here's to women's kisses,
and to whiskey, amber clear;
Not as sweet as a woman's kiss,
but a darn sight more sincere!
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!
That the tap may be open when it rusts!
My friends are the best friends
Loyal, willing and able.
Now let's get to drinking!
All glasses off the table!
Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold pint ---and another one!
Here's to a temperance supper,
With water in glasses tall,
And coffee and tea to end with --
And me not there at all!
When money's tight and hard to get,
and your horse is also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt,
a pint of plain is your only man.
Here's to being single...
Drinking doubles...
And seeing triple!
I drink to your health when I'm with you,
I drink to your health when I'm alone,
I drink to your health so often,
I'm starting to worry about my own!
Here's to women's kisses,
and to whiskey, amber clear;
Not as sweet as a woman's kiss,
but a darn sight more sincere!
IRISH BIRTHDAY TOASTS
May you live to be 100 years, with one extra year to repent.
We drink to your coffin. May it be built from the wood of a hundred year old oak tree that I shall plant tomorrow.
May God grant you many years to live, for sure he must be knowing, the earth has angels all too few and heaven is overflowing...
May the doctor never earn a pound out of you.
May the good Lord take a liking to you...But not too soon!
May you die in bed at 95, shot by a jealous spouse.
We drink to your coffin. May it be built from the wood of a hundred year old oak tree that I shall plant tomorrow.
May God grant you many years to live, for sure he must be knowing, the earth has angels all too few and heaven is overflowing...
May the doctor never earn a pound out of you.
May the good Lord take a liking to you...But not too soon!
May you die in bed at 95, shot by a jealous spouse.
IRISH TOAST for a BACHELOR
May you have nicer legs than yours under the table before the new spuds are up.
IRISH WEDDING TOASTS
'Sliocht sleachta ar shliocht bhur sleachta.'
May there be a generation of children on the children of your children.
Health and long life to you, land without rent to you, a child every year to you, and death in Old Ireland.
May the roof above you never fall in,
And those gathered beneath it never fall out.
Here's to health, peace and prosperity. May the flower of love never be nipped by the frost of disappointment, nor shadow of grief fall among your family and friends.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies and quick to make friends. And may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
May I see you grey and combing our grandchildren's hair.
'Slainte go saol agat, Bean ar do mhian agat. Leanbh gach blian agat, is solas na bhflaitheas tareis antsail seo agat.'
Health for life to you, A wife of your choice to you, Land without rent to you, A child every year to you, And the light of heaven after this world for you.
Here's an Irish toast to your wedding: May the roof over your heads be as well thatched
As those inside are well matched.
May there be a generation of children on the children of your children.
Health and long life to you, land without rent to you, a child every year to you, and death in Old Ireland.
May the roof above you never fall in,
And those gathered beneath it never fall out.
Here's to health, peace and prosperity. May the flower of love never be nipped by the frost of disappointment, nor shadow of grief fall among your family and friends.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies and quick to make friends. And may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
May I see you grey and combing our grandchildren's hair.
'Slainte go saol agat, Bean ar do mhian agat. Leanbh gach blian agat, is solas na bhflaitheas tareis antsail seo agat.'
Health for life to you, A wife of your choice to you, Land without rent to you, A child every year to you, And the light of heaven after this world for you.
Here's an Irish toast to your wedding: May the roof over your heads be as well thatched
As those inside are well matched.
IRISH SAINT PATRICK'S DAY TOASTS
Saint Patrick was a genleman,
Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here's a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see all those snakes again.
'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!'
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here's a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see all those snakes again.
'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!'
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
IRISH NEW YEAR'S TOASTS
'Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo aris.'
May we be alive at this time next year.
'Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit!'
A prosperous New Year!
In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship but never in want.
May we be alive at this time next year.
'Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit!'
A prosperous New Year!
In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship but never in want.
IRISH CHRISTMAS TOASTS
'Nollaig shona duit!'
Happy Christmas!
'Nollaig gaoi shean is faoi shonas duit.'
A prosperous and happy Christmas to you.
May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.
Happy Christmas!
'Nollaig gaoi shean is faoi shonas duit.'
A prosperous and happy Christmas to you.
May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.
IRISH MEN
There are only three kinds of Irish men who can't understand women - young men, old men, and men of middle age.
AN IRISH WELCOME
Here's Cead Mile Failte to friend and to rover
That's a greeting that's Irish as Irish can be
It means you are welcome
A thousand times over
Wherever you come from, Whosoever you be
That's a greeting that's Irish as Irish can be
It means you are welcome
A thousand times over
Wherever you come from, Whosoever you be
THE IRISH....
Be they kings, or poets, or farmers,
They're a people of great worth,
They keep company with the angels,
And bring a bit of heaven here to earth.
They're a people of great worth,
They keep company with the angels,
And bring a bit of heaven here to earth.
WHAT SHALL I SAY ABOUT THE IRISH?
The utterly impractical, never predictable,
Sometimes irascible, quite inexplicable,
Irish. Strange blend of shyness,
pride and conceit,
And stubborn refusal to bow in defeat.
He's spoiling and ready to argue and fight,
Yet the smile of a child
fills his soul with delight.
His eyes are the quickest to well up with tears,
yet his strength is the strongest
to banish your fears.
His hate is as fierce as his devotion is grand,
And there is no middle ground
on which he will stand.
He's wild and he's gentle,
he's good and he's bad.
He's proud and he's humble,
he's ahppy and sad.
He's in love with the ocean,
the earth and the skies,
He's enamoured with beauty wherever it lies.
he's victor and victim, a star and a clod,
But mostly he's Irish -
in love with his God.
Sometimes irascible, quite inexplicable,
Irish. Strange blend of shyness,
pride and conceit,
And stubborn refusal to bow in defeat.
He's spoiling and ready to argue and fight,
Yet the smile of a child
fills his soul with delight.
His eyes are the quickest to well up with tears,
yet his strength is the strongest
to banish your fears.
His hate is as fierce as his devotion is grand,
And there is no middle ground
on which he will stand.
He's wild and he's gentle,
he's good and he's bad.
He's proud and he's humble,
he's ahppy and sad.
He's in love with the ocean,
the earth and the skies,
He's enamoured with beauty wherever it lies.
he's victor and victim, a star and a clod,
But mostly he's Irish -
in love with his God.
LEGEND of SAINT PATRICK
Good St. Patrick travelled far, to teach God's Holy Word
And when he came to Erin's sod, a wondrous thing occurred
He plucked a shamrock from the earth and held it in
His hand
To symbolise the Trinity that all might understand
The first leaf for the Father
And the second for the Son
The third leaf for the Holy Spirit
All three of them in one.
And when he came to Erin's sod, a wondrous thing occurred
He plucked a shamrock from the earth and held it in
His hand
To symbolise the Trinity that all might understand
The first leaf for the Father
And the second for the Son
The third leaf for the Holy Spirit
All three of them in one.
MURPHY'S LAW
Nothing is as easy as it looks.
Everything takes longer than you expect.
And if anything can go wrong,
It will, at the worst possible moment.
Everything takes longer than you expect.
And if anything can go wrong,
It will, at the worst possible moment.
THE WAY WE TELL a STORY Pat McCarty 1851-1931
Says I to him, I says, says I,
Says I to him, I says,
The thing, says I, I says to him,
Is just, says I, this ways.
I hev', says I, a gret respeck
For you and for your breed,
And onything I could, I says,
I'd do, I wud indeed.
I don't knwo any man, I says,
I'd do it for, says I,
As fast, I says, as for yoursel',
That's telling' ye no lie.
There's nought says I, I wudn't do
To plase your feyther's son,
But this, I says, ye see, says I,
I says, it can't be done.
Says I to him, I says,
The thing, says I, I says to him,
Is just, says I, this ways.
I hev', says I, a gret respeck
For you and for your breed,
And onything I could, I says,
I'd do, I wud indeed.
I don't knwo any man, I says,
I'd do it for, says I,
As fast, I says, as for yoursel',
That's telling' ye no lie.
There's nought says I, I wudn't do
To plase your feyther's son,
But this, I says, ye see, says I,
I says, it can't be done.
AN IRISHMAN'S PHILOSOPHY
In life, there are only two things to worry about -
Either you are well or you are sick.
If you are well, there is nothing to worry about,
But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about -
Either you will get well or you will die.
If you get well, there is nothing to worry about,
But if you die, there are only two things to worry about -
Either you will go to heaven or hell.
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.
And if you go to hell, you'll be busy shaking hands with all your friends
You won't ahve time to worry!
Either you are well or you are sick.
If you are well, there is nothing to worry about,
But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about -
Either you will get well or you will die.
If you get well, there is nothing to worry about,
But if you die, there are only two things to worry about -
Either you will go to heaven or hell.
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about.
And if you go to hell, you'll be busy shaking hands with all your friends
You won't ahve time to worry!
THE MOUSE on the BARROOM FLOOR
Some Guinness was spilled on the barroom floor
when the pub was shut for the night.
Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse
and stood in the pale moonlight.
He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor,
then back on his haunches he sat.
And all night long you could hear him roar,
'Bring on that darn old cat!'
when the pub was shut for the night.
Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse
and stood in the pale moonlight.
He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor,
then back on his haunches he sat.
And all night long you could hear him roar,
'Bring on that darn old cat!'
IRISH DIPLOMACY
is the ability to tell a man to go to hell so that he looks forward to making the trip.
IRISH PROVERBS: Life's Ups and Downs
There's nothing so bad that it couldn't be worse.
Life is a strange lad.
If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes.
It's an ill wind that blows nobody good.
However long the day, night must fall.
You must take the little potato with the big potato.
God prefers prayers to tears.
Life is a strange lad.
If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes.
It's an ill wind that blows nobody good.
However long the day, night must fall.
You must take the little potato with the big potato.
God prefers prayers to tears.
IRISH PROVERBS: Human Nature
You never miss the water till the well runs dry.
Everyone feels his own wound first.
The pig in the sty doesn't know the pig going along the road.
Pity him who makes an opinion a certainty.
No two people ever lit a fire without disagreeing.
Seeing is believing, but feeling is the God's own truth.
It is the quiet pig that eats the meal.
A glowing griosach (ember) is easily rekindled.
The person bringing good news knocks boldly on the door.
Everyone feels his own wound first.
The pig in the sty doesn't know the pig going along the road.
Pity him who makes an opinion a certainty.
No two people ever lit a fire without disagreeing.
Seeing is believing, but feeling is the God's own truth.
It is the quiet pig that eats the meal.
A glowing griosach (ember) is easily rekindled.
The person bringing good news knocks boldly on the door.
IRISH PROVERBS: The Wisdom of Silence
Silence is the fence around the haggard where wisdom is stacked.
Melodious is the closed mouth.
Who keeps his tongue keeps his friends.
Melodious is the closed mouth.
Who keeps his tongue keeps his friends.
IRISH PROVERBS: Fortune and Wealth
Enough and no waste is as good as a feast.
Cut your coat according to your cloth.
He who has water and peat on his own farm has the world his own way.
A cat can look at a king.
It is not the same to go to the king's house as to come from it.
The life of an old hat is to cock it.
There never came a gatherer but a scatterer came after him.
Better be sparing at first than at last.
If you buy what you don't need you might have to sell what you do.
Hunger is a good sauce.
A heavy purse makes a light heart.
Heaven's leac na teine (stone before the fire) is reserved for the poor.
Cut your coat according to your cloth.
He who has water and peat on his own farm has the world his own way.
A cat can look at a king.
It is not the same to go to the king's house as to come from it.
The life of an old hat is to cock it.
There never came a gatherer but a scatterer came after him.
Better be sparing at first than at last.
If you buy what you don't need you might have to sell what you do.
Hunger is a good sauce.
A heavy purse makes a light heart.
Heaven's leac na teine (stone before the fire) is reserved for the poor.
IRISH PROVERBS: Opportunity
You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.
You won't learn to swim on the kitchen floor.
Slow is every foot on an unknown path.
There are fish in the sea better than have ever been caught.
A combed head sells the feet.
Don't make little of your dish for it may be an ignorant fellow who judges it.
If your messenger is slow, go to meet him.
Many a sudden change takes place on an unlikely day.
You won't learn to swim on the kitchen floor.
Slow is every foot on an unknown path.
There are fish in the sea better than have ever been caught.
A combed head sells the feet.
Don't make little of your dish for it may be an ignorant fellow who judges it.
If your messenger is slow, go to meet him.
Many a sudden change takes place on an unlikely day.
IRISH PROVERBS: Youth and Old Age
Praise the ripe field not the green corn.
Young people don't know what old age is, and old people forget what youth was.
The schoolhouse bell sounds bitter in youth and sweet in old age.
The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune.
As the old cock crows, the young cock learns.
The old dog for the hard road and leave the pup on the path.
Young people don't know what old age is, and old people forget what youth was.
The schoolhouse bell sounds bitter in youth and sweet in old age.
The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune.
As the old cock crows, the young cock learns.
The old dog for the hard road and leave the pup on the path.
IRISH PROVERB: Work and Idleness
It's not a delay to stop and sharpen the scythe.
It's a dirty bird that won't keep its own nest clean.
Keep your shop and your shop will keep you.
A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
Unwillingness easily finds an excuse.
Lose an hour in the morning and you'll be looking for it all day.
Laziness is a heavy burden.
Poverty waits at the gates of idleness.
It's a dirty bird that won't keep its own nest clean.
Keep your shop and your shop will keep you.
A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
Unwillingness easily finds an excuse.
Lose an hour in the morning and you'll be looking for it all day.
Laziness is a heavy burden.
Poverty waits at the gates of idleness.
IRISH PROVERBS: Drinking
A man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes the man.
It's the first drop that destroys you, there's no harm at all in the last.
If it's drowning you're after, don't torment yourself with shallow water.
It's the first drop that destroys you, there's no harm at all in the last.
If it's drowning you're after, don't torment yourself with shallow water.
ANOTHER OLD IRISH BLESSING
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends by yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends by yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
SAID DURING THUNDER AND LIGHTNING...
O Lord, be between us and harm and protect us from the harm of the world.
SAID in the MORNING WHEN I RISING...
Christ be with me,
be after me,
be before me,
and be at my right and left hand.
May everything I do be for Christ.
be after me,
be before me,
and be at my right and left hand.
May everything I do be for Christ.
FROM SAINT PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE
Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man
who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man
who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man
who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man
who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord.
A BLESSING FOR FAIR DAY
God be with them now, and bring them home with their fair share of stock or money.
IN TIME OF SORROW...
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall -
You do not walk alone.
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall -
You do not walk alone.
BLESS THIS HOUSE
Bless this house, O Lord, we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let they peace lie over all.
Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.
Bless the windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light.
Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here within...
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all, that one day, we
May be fit, O Lord, to dwell with Thee.
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let they peace lie over all.
Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.
Bless the windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light.
Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here within...
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all, that one day, we
May be fit, O Lord, to dwell with Thee.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there...I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry -
I am not there...I did not die...
I am not there...I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry -
I am not there...I did not die...
AN OLD CELTIC BLESSING
May the blessing of light be on you -
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.
REMEMBERED JOY
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief -
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief -
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
AN OLD CRADLE SONG
Sleep, my babe, lie still and slumber,
All thought the night
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night
Soft and drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
Mother dear her watch is keeping,
All through the night
God is here, you'll not be lonely,
All through the night
'Tis not I who guards thee only,
All through the night
Night's dark shades will soon be over,
Still my watchful care shall hover,
God with me His watch is keeping,
All through the night.
All thought the night
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night
Soft and drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
Mother dear her watch is keeping,
All through the night
God is here, you'll not be lonely,
All through the night
'Tis not I who guards thee only,
All through the night
Night's dark shades will soon be over,
Still my watchful care shall hover,
God with me His watch is keeping,
All through the night.
AN IRISH PRAYER
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
FOr every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
For every storm, a rainbow,
FOr every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
A Gaelic Christening Blessing
Dearest Father in Heaven,
Bless this child and bless this day
Of new beginnings.
Smile upon this child
And surround this child, Lord,
With the soft mantle of your love.
Teach this child to follow in your footsteps,
And to live life in the ways of
Love, faith, hope and charity.
Bless this child and bless this day
Of new beginnings.
Smile upon this child
And surround this child, Lord,
With the soft mantle of your love.
Teach this child to follow in your footsteps,
And to live life in the ways of
Love, faith, hope and charity.
AN OLD IRISH BLESSING
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
IRISH MARRIAGE BLESSING
May God be with you and bless you.
May God see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortunes
and rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward.
May God see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortunes
and rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward.
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