I had occasion today to note what a big deal St. Pats has become. I can't remember everyone and their brother getting into the spirit. Like Halloween its become some kind of ersatz adult holiday. Irish music is either very good or plain awful. There seems to be no middle ground. And how many depressing songs can there be about men getting their legs blown off during the war? A main stay of Irish songs.
And as America goes, so goes the rest of the world, or Ireland, at least. Is it not true that until recently, the day was observed in Ireland more as a holy day, and not as a day for general drunken revelry, but that it has become more like the American observance, after our celebrations have been publicized and broadcast around the world?
I can see how the day meant more to the Irish immigrants here, even back in the 1700's, when the first parade was held in Boston. It was a way to show pride in their heritage, especially in a larger British culture (including here in the colonies) that disdained the Irish, at best, and suppressed them, at worst. The Italians seized on Columbus Day for much the same purpose, a celebration of their heritage.
What I find amusing is the bagpipes and kilts. Were they not a relatively late affectation in Irish history, under the Victorians? Of course, that brings me to the broader stylized celebration of "Celtic (with a k) culture", all the "Celtic" festivals held around the country, that to me, seem about authentically "Celtic" as Mr. Dunderbak's is authentically German.
Still, I lifted a couple of pints in honor of my Irish great-grandmother, Grammy Hodge. I celebrate that heritage, along with my German, Italian, and Welsh heritage. And then I celebrate the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, because that makes me an American.
Prost!
Brad
