Archives
March 2007
3/22/07
3/21/07
3/20/07
3/19/07
3/16/07
A Real-LIfe AIM Pages Irishman on St. Paddy's Day
3/8/07
3/8/07
Friday, March 16, 2007
8:47:00 PM EDT
Hearing Mike Doughty, Looking at the World From the Bottom of a Well
So, in Magic Smoke, my other blog, I did an entry profiling some AOL employees from Ireland, and their thoughts on St. Patrick's Day, and the differences between the way it's celebrated over in Ireland, versus here in the States. (Hint: A lot of them get really irked by the abbrevation "St. Patty's Day," since "Patty" is a girl's name. The proper short form is "St. Paddy's Day.")
One of the people who responded to my request was Diarmuid (pronounced "dear-mid," or as close to it I can get without using funky pronounciation characters), who's one of the fellows who works on AIM Pages over in Dublin.
Well, he sent in a bunch of good thoughts, though it was a bit too long for that entry -- so I'm gonna post the full thing here.
Here's Diarmuid, as seen at a rugby match -- take it away, Diarmuid:
The first thing we're known for is probably the amount we drink of the auld sup (alcohol). Our favourite brews are of course Guinness and Irish Whiskey (not that Scotch stuff). The word whiskey comes from the Irish "Uisce Beatha" which means "water of life" and we certainly do drink like its water ;-) . In fact, drink ten pints of Guinness in one sitting (no mean feat) and the Irish Foreign Department issues you with an Irish passport! [Editor's Note: I really hope it doesn't need to be said, but that's a joke.]
The important thing to remember is why we drink, not for sorrow but for joy, which brings me onto point two, enjoyment. We're also very well known for enjoying ourselves or having the craic (pronounced the same as the word crack). This word/phrase "having the craic," has unfortunately often produced much confusion in the US when we go around looking for some Craic :-\ or when we say things like, "We had some great craic last night."
We're also well known for talking a lot. Its known as the gift of the gab and non-Irish can get it apparently by kissing the Blarney Stone. The natives don't need to do this as it's in the blood already, no extra help needed. In the olden days the most revered in Ireland were the seanachaí (shan-ah-key), the gifted story tellers, the ones most blessed when it came to waxing lyrical about all things under the sun (not that we see much of the sun in the rain-sodden Emerald isle; our rainy season lasts for 12 months every year :'( which may explain the amount of time spent in the pub, see point #1 :-) !!!!).
We're also known for our welcoming nature, we call it the "ceád míle fáilte" (kade mee-la fall-che) which literally means one hundred thousand welcomes. We love playing host to visitors, we love showing off our lovely green country (see previous comment about rain), the atmosphere-laden pubs (point #1) full of craic!!!!
One thing to note about being Irish is that even though it's a decided advantage being born in Ireland (or at least being born of Irish stock), that being "Irish" is as much a state of mind and person as it is an identity. As long as you follow the attributes outlined above you can feel free to declare yourselves honorary Irish. So have a social sup, enjoy yourself, don't be shy and be friendly and enjoy Paddy's day wherever you are and wherever you're from!!!!!
Slán agus beannacht (goodbye and blessings)
Diarmuid
Thanks, Diarmuid. And Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! -- Joe
Written by aimpagesteam Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | 
digg this
8:47:00 PM EDT
Hearing Mike Doughty, Looking at the World From the Bottom of a Well
A Real-LIfe AIM Pages Irishman on St. Paddy's Day
One of the people who responded to my request was Diarmuid (pronounced "dear-mid," or as close to it I can get without using funky pronounciation characters), who's one of the fellows who works on AIM Pages over in Dublin.
Well, he sent in a bunch of good thoughts, though it was a bit too long for that entry -- so I'm gonna post the full thing here.
Here's Diarmuid, as seen at a rugby match -- take it away, Diarmuid:
________________________________
The first thing we're known for is probably the amount we drink of the auld sup (alcohol). Our favourite brews are of course Guinness and Irish Whiskey (not that Scotch stuff). The word whiskey comes from the Irish "Uisce Beatha" which means "water of life" and we certainly do drink like its water ;-) . In fact, drink ten pints of Guinness in one sitting (no mean feat) and the Irish Foreign Department issues you with an Irish passport! [Editor's Note: I really hope it doesn't need to be said, but that's a joke.]
The important thing to remember is why we drink, not for sorrow but for joy, which brings me onto point two, enjoyment. We're also very well known for enjoying ourselves or having the craic (pronounced the same as the word crack). This word/phrase "having the craic," has unfortunately often produced much confusion in the US when we go around looking for some Craic :-\ or when we say things like, "We had some great craic last night."
We're also well known for talking a lot. Its known as the gift of the gab and non-Irish can get it apparently by kissing the Blarney Stone. The natives don't need to do this as it's in the blood already, no extra help needed. In the olden days the most revered in Ireland were the seanachaí (shan-ah-key), the gifted story tellers, the ones most blessed when it came to waxing lyrical about all things under the sun (not that we see much of the sun in the rain-sodden Emerald isle; our rainy season lasts for 12 months every year :'( which may explain the amount of time spent in the pub, see point #1 :-) !!!!).
We're also known for our welcoming nature, we call it the "ceád míle fáilte" (kade mee-la fall-che) which literally means one hundred thousand welcomes. We love playing host to visitors, we love showing off our lovely green country (see previous comment about rain), the atmosphere-laden pubs (point #1) full of craic!!!!
One thing to note about being Irish is that even though it's a decided advantage being born in Ireland (or at least being born of Irish stock), that being "Irish" is as much a state of mind and person as it is an identity. As long as you follow the attributes outlined above you can feel free to declare yourselves honorary Irish. So have a social sup, enjoy yourself, don't be shy and be friendly and enjoy Paddy's day wherever you are and wherever you're from!!!!!
Slán agus beannacht (goodbye and blessings)
Diarmuid
________________________________
Thanks, Diarmuid. And Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone! -- Joe
Written by aimpagesteam Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
This entry has 6 comments: (Add your own)
-
ADD THIS TO YOUR BLOG.I MADE IT UP BECAUSE ITS A TRUE THING.
remember when getting high meant swinging at
the playground;; the problem
about boys was cooties;; mom
was your hero && dad was super
man;; your worst enemies were
your siblings;; race issues
were about who ran the fastest
;; war was just a card game;;
life was simple && carefree -
i thougt it was great
-
tha mi às na Stàitean Aonaichte, tha mi ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig.
I am looking for the last name of Parker. I have 3 Codes Of Arm. Need to meet sombody Irish who might be able to help me meet some of my family who speak gaelic and are Celtic. -
Cheer's me lad....toasting too..."WATER OF LIFE"...Happy St. paddy's day to ya!!
4/15/07 12:33 AM