Ireland is a country of cheerful and good-natured people. The green island of leprechauns and giants amazes with its beauty and mystery. And these red-bearded and good-natured people will pull anyone out of the depths of depression. Their natural craving for fun spawned many religious, pagan and national holidays. And it would be a sin against the saints not to consider the main holidays and traditions of Ireland.
Christmas
A very reverent attitude to the traditions of the Irish holidays is especially noticeable at Christmas. It is celebrated from December 24 to 26. All three days a whole religious festival takes place on the streets. Nobody works, all shops and pubs are closed. Only the church is ready on this day to receive parishioners.
On the eve of Christmas, gifts are being prepared. Not only to your family, but also to anyone you know. On this significant day, anyone will be pleased to give and receive. Initially, the celebration takes place in the family circle. Everyone gathers at the festive table, explodes crackers and eat traditional dishes.
After two days, everyone, already well-fed, cheerful and happy with gifts, goes out to see the procession. St. Stephen's Day begins. Young men dressed in straw dresses walk on the streets and play the killing of a bird. The bird, fortunately, is artificial. And it symbolizes the death of the old and the birth of the new.
St. Stephen's Day
St. Stephen's Day is celebrated on December 26th. Horse racing is traditionally opening on this Irish holiday. St. Stephen, like St. Patrick, was a preacher of the Christian faith. With tireless perseverance, he preached the teachings of Christ and was a famous orator. His fiery speeches against persecution by the Jews had a twofold effect. On the one hand, he was extremely convincing and led many to believe. On the other hand, he was stoned to death.
St. Stephen is considered the patron saint of horses, and that is why this holiday marks the opening of the horse racing festival. On this day, boys smeared with soot roam the streets, singing songs. All the money that they get, they send to charity. After all, do not forget that on the day of St. Stephen, not only horse racing is important, but also good deeds.
New Year
New Year in Ireland is celebrated from December 31 to January 1. This night comes the time for noisy parties. Most of the pubs are open and only waiting for guests. And who can resist the honor of raising a pint of beer for a new page in life? And how nice it is after that to go out and breathe in the fresh spirit of fun.
St. Brigitte's Day
St. Briggit's Day is an annual Northern Ireland holiday that is celebrated on February 1. Particular veneration of this saint is connected with the legend that it was she who took birth in the Virgin Mary. According to legends, on the eve of the holiday, St. Brigitte travels around the country blessing the dwellings of people. In order to look like hospitable hosts, residents spread a piece of cake on the windowsill.
On the eve of the holiday, people weave crosses from reeds or reeds and hang them above the front door. This cross protects the house from troubles. Such a custom was born from the legend of how St. Brigitte once came to the house of a dying pagan and christened him a cross woven from a reed.
St.Patrick 's Day
When it comes to the national holidays of Ireland, the first to come to mind is St. Patrick's Day. It begins on March 17, the day of the death of St. Patrick, who baptized Ireland. For 5 days, “leprechauns” in green clothes have been dancing everywhere, the famous shamrock flaunts on every corner, Irish ale spills over the river.
The most noisy and large-scale events take place on March 17th. Their integral part is a huge procession. The procession begins its movement from the main street. At the head is a cart with the figure of St. Patrick. It is followed by several platforms with illustrations of historical events and musicians. Citizens and tourists are free to join the grand procession. This procession, accompanied by folk music, moves to St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Currently, ale is considered a traditional drink on this holiday. Not to drink a glass of ale with a shamrock at the bottom is like expressing disrespect to St. Patrick. The main thing after draining the mug is not to forget to throw the shamrock over your shoulder, it’s for luck. And after that, the mood for dancing will appear. Fortunately, leprechauns in green cylinders are inviting into the cycle of events. Well, how can they be refused?
