IRISH TRADITIONSIRISH TRADITIONS

Our customs and traditions are one way we express who we are.

By this staging project students get familiar By this staging project students get familiar with the following Irish traditions:with the following Irish traditions:

1.Wedding traditions1.Wedding traditions2.Easter traditions2.Easter traditions3.Christmas traditions3.Christmas traditions4.St Patrick Day traditions4.St Patrick Day traditions

IRISH WEDDING TRADITIONSIRISH WEDDING TRADITIONS

The wedding ceremonyThe wedding ceremony in modern western traditions in modern western traditions tends to have more in common from one nation to tends to have more in common from one nation to another than there are differences. Even most of the another than there are differences. Even most of the prevalent customs such as the bride’s white dress, rings, prevalent customs such as the bride’s white dress, rings, wedding cake, flowers and attendants as well as the wedding cake, flowers and attendants as well as the feast and pranks played on the couple as they make feast and pranks played on the couple as they make their final exit are pretty much universal. Every ethnic their final exit are pretty much universal. Every ethnic group has it’s own peculiar customs and variations but if group has it’s own peculiar customs and variations but if we were to drop in on a wedding in a strange land where we were to drop in on a wedding in a strange land where we did not know the language, be it Lebanon, Finland, we did not know the language, be it Lebanon, Finland, Argentina or the remotest and most Gaelic island of the Argentina or the remotest and most Gaelic island of the any of the Celtic nations, we would probably have a any of the Celtic nations, we would probably have a pretty good idea of what was going on. pretty good idea of what was going on.

Pairwork: Describe a typical Estonian wedding.Pairwork: Describe a typical Estonian wedding.

Pairwork:Pairwork:

What do you know about Irish wedding What do you know about Irish wedding traditions?traditions?

There are usually many proverbs about There are usually many proverbs about wedding traditions in different countries.wedding traditions in different countries.

Read the following proverbs and fill in the Read the following proverbs and fill in the missing words.missing words.

It is unlucky to marry on a ………….It is unlucky to marry on a ………….A …….. should always be the first to wish joy to the bride, never a woman A …….. should always be the first to wish joy to the bride, never a woman

It was lucky to hear a ……. on the wedding morning, or to see three It was lucky to hear a ……. on the wedding morning, or to see three magpies magpies

To meet a funeral on the road meant bad luck and if there was a funeral To meet a funeral on the road meant bad luck and if there was a funeral procession planned for that day, the wedding party always took a …… road procession planned for that day, the wedding party always took a …… road

The wedding party should always take the ……. road home from the church The wedding party should always take the ……. road home from the church

It was … luck if a glass or cup were broken on the wedding day It was … luck if a glass or cup were broken on the wedding day

A bride and groom should never wash their hands in the same sink at the A bride and groom should never wash their hands in the same sink at the same time—it's courting ……..if they do same time—it's courting ……..if they do

It was said to be …… if you married during a 'growing moon and a flowing It was said to be …… if you married during a 'growing moon and a flowing tide' tide'

When leaving the church, someone must throw an old …… over the bride's When leaving the church, someone must throw an old …… over the bride's head so she will have good luck head so she will have good luck

If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding ….. on the bride's If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding ….. on the bride's head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life.head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life.

Read the text Read the text Check your answers at:Check your answers at:http://www.ireland-information.com/irishweddingtraditions.htmhttp://www.ireland-information.com/irishweddingtraditions.htm

Pairwork:Pairwork:Read the following text and compare ….Read the following text and compare ….

The Irish Claddagh RingThe Irish Claddagh Ring An Irish bride's wedding ring is called a Claddagh An Irish bride's wedding ring is called a Claddagh ring. It is a heart held by two hands with the heart topped by a crown. The ring. It is a heart held by two hands with the heart topped by a crown. The hands represent faith, the crown symbolizes honor, and the heart signifies hands represent faith, the crown symbolizes honor, and the heart signifies love. The ring’s motto is: “Let love and friendship reign.” love. The ring’s motto is: “Let love and friendship reign.”

If a woman wears a Claddagh Ring on her right hand with the heart facing If a woman wears a Claddagh Ring on her right hand with the heart facing outward toward the end of her finger she is signifying that she is a single outward toward the end of her finger she is signifying that she is a single woman, free to see whomever she desires. If the ring is worn on the right woman, free to see whomever she desires. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, toward the woman’s knuckle, then she is hand with the heart facing inward, toward the woman’s knuckle, then she is signifying that she is engaged. signifying that she is engaged.

And finally, if a Claddagh Ring is worn on the left hand it means that the And finally, if a Claddagh Ring is worn on the left hand it means that the woman is married. woman is married.

(Read more about the ring on:(Read more about the ring on:

http://http://www.potgold.com/claddagh.htmwww.potgold.com/claddagh.htm

Wedding Day Traditions in IrelandWedding Day Traditions in Ireland An old Irish tradition calls for the wedding couple to walk to the church An old Irish tradition calls for the wedding couple to walk to the church together before exchanging their wedding vows. As they walk down the together before exchanging their wedding vows. As they walk down the main street to the chapel, onlookers would not only throw rice to bless the main street to the chapel, onlookers would not only throw rice to bless the marriage, but larger items as well, such as pots and pans. marriage, but larger items as well, such as pots and pans. The traditional Irish bride often wears a blue wedding dress, rather than a The traditional Irish bride often wears a blue wedding dress, rather than a white dress. This is because blue symbolized purity in ancient times. It white dress. This is because blue symbolized purity in ancient times. It wasn’t until the year 1499 that a white wedding dress began to symbolize wasn’t until the year 1499 that a white wedding dress began to symbolize virginity and purity. virginity and purity. English lavender, an ancient symbol of love, loyalty, devotion and even English lavender, an ancient symbol of love, loyalty, devotion and even luck is often mixed with the bride’s wedding flowers to help insure a happy luck is often mixed with the bride’s wedding flowers to help insure a happy and long-lasting union and long-lasting union Another tradition is for the bride to braid her hair for her wedding day. Another tradition is for the bride to braid her hair for her wedding day. Braided hair is an ancient symbol of feminine power and luck. Another Braided hair is an ancient symbol of feminine power and luck. Another symbol of luck is to be married on St. Patrick's Day, considered the luckiest symbol of luck is to be married on St. Patrick's Day, considered the luckiest wedding anniversary date in Ireland.wedding anniversary date in Ireland.

Easter Traditions in Easter Traditions in IrelandIreland

How much do we know?How much do we know?

Brainstorming :Brainstorming : -students are asked to give as many -students are asked to give as many

words as possible related to Easter words as possible related to Easter holidayholiday

Group work:Group work: -students discuss about the religious -students discuss about the religious

significance of this holidaysignificance of this holiday -Students give reasons for waiting -Students give reasons for waiting

EasterEaster

Discover the Irish EasterDiscover the Irish Easter

Students brainstorm ideas about Easter in Students brainstorm ideas about Easter in other countriesother countries

Students find more information about the Students find more information about the Irish Easter by accessing the InternetIrish Easter by accessing the Internet

Students report their classmates the Students report their classmates the results of their searchresults of their search

In groups students choose their own way In groups students choose their own way visualize the Irish traditions related to visualize the Irish traditions related to Easter Holiday or they may write a poem Easter Holiday or they may write a poem suggestive of the Irish spirit in this periodsuggestive of the Irish spirit in this period

www.gaelsong.comwww.gaelsong.com http://www.iol.ie/~marist/halo/haloeahttp://www.iol.ie/~marist/halo/haloea

ster.htmster.htm Students read the information and in Students read the information and in

groups they choose what topic they groups they choose what topic they want to discuss and compare to their want to discuss and compare to their traditions(eg.Easter drinks traditions(eg.Easter drinks food,decorations,preparations)food,decorations,preparations)

CHRISTMAS IN CHRISTMAS IN IRELANDIRELAND

Read the following text and answer the questions:Read the following text and answer the questions:

1)1) Which is the most popular Christmas carol ?Which is the most popular Christmas carol ?2)2) What does theWhat does the lightning of candles lightning of candles

symbolize?symbolize?3)3) What is the traditional Christmas dinner in What is the traditional Christmas dinner in

Ireland?Ireland?

Irish Christmas traditions are similar to those found in many western Irish Christmas traditions are similar to those found in many western countries: the basic Christmas rituals, such as gift-giving, attending countries: the basic Christmas rituals, such as gift-giving, attending Mass, and decorating trees, are shared byMass, and decorating trees, are shared by

most nations where Christmas is celebrated. But Ireland does have its most nations where Christmas is celebrated. But Ireland does have its unique Christmas rituals, as we'll discover below. unique Christmas rituals, as we'll discover below.

Twelve Days of ChristmasTwelve Days of Christmas Because it is still quite a religious country - Catholicism being the most Because it is still quite a religious country - Catholicism being the most

prevalent - Irish traditions reflect this more than the increasingly secular prevalent - Irish traditions reflect this more than the increasingly secular customs of North America. The popular Christmas carol, customs of North America. The popular Christmas carol, Twelve Days of ChristmasTwelve Days of Christmas is a remnant from the time when Catholicism is a remnant from the time when Catholicism was illegal and the gifts listed in the song are hidden references to was illegal and the gifts listed in the song are hidden references to Catholic dogma. It was used as a memory exercise for those who were Catholic dogma. It was used as a memory exercise for those who were secret adherents to Catholicism. secret adherents to Catholicism.

Lighting CandlesLighting Candles The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance. The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance.

Some people would light candles (or one large candle) to signify Some people would light candles (or one large candle) to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors. at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors.

Christmas DinnerChristmas Dinner Christmas dinners in Ireland usually consist of the standard fare; Christmas dinners in Ireland usually consist of the standard fare;

turkey, a ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Among the more turkey, a ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Among the more traditional Irish elements are spiced beef (spiced over several traditional Irish elements are spiced beef (spiced over several days, cooked, and then pressed) which can be served either hot or days, cooked, and then pressed) which can be served either hot or cold. The traditional dessert is usually composed of mince pies, cold. The traditional dessert is usually composed of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce.Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce.

Pair work:Pair work: Describe a typical Irish Christmas Day. Describe a typical Irish Christmas Day.

Complete the following sentences with the right words:Complete the following sentences with the right words:

The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was an is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was an symbol of ………to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter.symbol of ………to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter.

A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the ………… member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'.After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with ……………… and ………, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left ………….. so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome

For more information you should read the following texts:For more information you should read the following texts:

http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/christmas%20traditions%20Irish.htm

Do you know some holiday when people Do you know some holiday when people use to wear specific costumes and what use to wear specific costumes and what are these?are these?

Do you happen to know what their Do you happen to know what their traditional costumes and symbols traditional costumes and symbols characterize these holidays?characterize these holidays?Do you know why people celebrate S. Do you know why people celebrate S. Patrick’s Day?Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick was a Christian ______ credited with the conversion of Ireland from St. Patrick was a Christian ______ credited with the conversion of Ireland from _________.He lived from the late 4th century A.D. to the mid 5th century A.D., so long _________.He lived from the late 4th century A.D. to the mid 5th century A.D., so long ago that it's difficult to separate fact from _________ . ago that it's difficult to separate fact from _________ . St. Patrick was ______ in either Scotland or Wales, the son of Roman parents living in St. Patrick was ______ in either Scotland or Wales, the son of Roman parents living in Britain.  When he was about fifteen or sixteen, he was________ and enslaved by an Britain.  When he was about fifteen or sixteen, he was________ and enslaved by an Irish chieftain during a raiding party across the sea.  He spent several years ________ Irish chieftain during a raiding party across the sea.  He spent several years ________ in Ireland, herding and tending sheep and swine.  It was during his________ that St. in Ireland, herding and tending sheep and swine.  It was during his________ that St. Patrick dedicated his lifePatrick dedicated his life to God.  Legend has it that St. Patrick escaped captivity and to God.  Legend has it that St. Patrick escaped captivity and Ireland after a dream in which God _______ him to journey to the Irish coast where he Ireland after a dream in which God _______ him to journey to the Irish coast where he found a ship that returned him to his family. found a ship that returned him to his family. After years of religious study, he became a ________ .  In a document attributed to him After years of religious study, he became a ________ .  In a document attributed to him known as "The Confession", St. Patrick heard the voice of the Irish in his dreams, "crying known as "The Confession", St. Patrick heard the voice of the Irish in his dreams, "crying to thee, come hither and walk with us once more."  Eventually, Pope Clemens to thee, come hither and walk with us once more."  Eventually, Pope Clemens commissioned St. Patrick as bishop to preach the _______________ to the Celtic commissioned St. Patrick as bishop to preach the _______________ to the Celtic people.  Arriving back in Ireland, he commenced an incredible mission, travelling across people.  Arriving back in Ireland, he commenced an incredible mission, travelling across the country, preaching and ____________, ordaining priests and bishops, erecting the country, preaching and ____________, ordaining priests and bishops, erecting churches and establishing places of learning and ________, despite constant ______ churches and establishing places of learning and ________, despite constant ______ to his life.  It has been said that he and his _________ were responsible for _________ to his life.  It has been said that he and his _________ were responsible for _________ almost all the population of Ireland to Christianity. almost all the population of Ireland to Christianity.

Converting worship baptizing instructed captivity born legend missionaryConverting worship baptizing instructed captivity born legend missionary Paganism captured priest threats converting enslaved disciplesPaganism captured priest threats converting enslaved disciples

Fill in the blanks:

http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.hthttp://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.ht

Change impressions about S. Patrick’s Change impressions about S. Patrick’s holidayholiday

Draw a poster or a leaflet Draw a poster or a leaflet to advertise the main events taking to advertise the main events taking

place in St. Patrick’ weekplace in St. Patrick’ week