Comments on: Do You Have a Little Irish in You?

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 23:54:22 +0000

Count me as a vote for "Get Oral""”I think it's a great idea.
Sweet!

Yeah, I have this unfortunate habit of over-politicizing holidays based upon their traditional roots.
Nope, I totally retract my statement on this one. I was out with some Irish friends tonight, and I asked about the explanation you gave, and they verified it. Score one for Corvus :-).

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 19:26:28 +0000

Count me as a vote for “Get Oral”–I think it’s a great idea.

By: Corvus

Corvus — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 12:54:40 +0000

Yeah, I have this unfortunate habit of over-politicizing holidays based upon their traditional roots. I knew, as soon as I posted it, that I ought to have kept my trap shut!

But since I didn’t…

I’m pretty sure the Green stripe on the flag represents the Irish people (the majority of which are Catholic) and the Orange stripe represents those who supported William III (also called William of Orange), the protestant king who conquered King James in the late 1600’s. The white stripe represents the hope of peace. A peace which seems far more hopeful today than it did just 5 or 10 years ago.

Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the day. What I wouldn’t give to tip a pint in the UK. Enjoy the trip!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 11:08:29 +0000

Um"¦ the wearing of the green is a religious "obligation" as green is the color of the Irish Catholic (orange being the color of the Irish Protestants).

Yes, I understand there’s actually a religious thing going on — but, for all intents and purposes (even here in Ireland) it’s a social thing.

Also, as for the colors of the Irish flag, I’ve definitely heard a different story. White for purity, orange for strength… something along those lines. The explanation you gave especially confuses me given that the green, white, and orange flag is, I’m pretty sure, only for the Republic which, for obvious reasons, would have little desire to represent protestantism.

I thought, for one alarmed second, that this was a sexual reference.
Oh god, no. That’s too far, even for me, and that’s saying a lot.

By: Brummbar

Brummbar — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 00:16:26 +0000

…or being attacked by farm animals,

I thought, for one alarmed second, that this was a sexual reference.

By: Corvus

Corvus — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 11:14:27 +0000

“Here's a holiday with no religious obligations, just booze. Rock.”

Um… the wearing of the green is a religious “obligation” as green is the color of the Irish Catholic (orange being the color of the Irish Protestants).

Never mind that St. Patrick didn’t so much rid Ireland of snakes, as the legend goes, but of pagans.