8 Similarities Among All Irish-American Families | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

8 Similarities Among All Irish-American Families

It truly is family over everything.

1966
8 Similarities Among All Irish-American Families
ABC News

Whenever you think of a typical Irish-American family, your first thought is probably the Kennedy's. A big family from Massachusetts, no surprise there. In Boston, and even all around the country, there are many large Irish-American families similar to the Kennedy family. Although these families may not be political royalty, they can strongly relate to the same traditional Irish values.

Being raised in a big Irish family is truly a blessing. They are people who love endless and will fight (literally) for you every day. You are never alone when you are Irish because you always have your family. Every family may be different in their own unique ways, but there is no arguing that each family shares some very basic experiences and values of being an Irish-American:

1. St. Patrick’s Day is actually a big deal.

Everyone is dressed in green, Grandma calls everyone to wish them a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” and the family sits down to the traditional corn beef and cabbage meal each year. You may hold your nose when taking each bite, but for some reason, you still eat it. Maybe it’s because of the tradition, or maybe it’s because your parents make you. Either way, the house doesn’t smell too great for a few hours.

2. Religion and church are always important to your family, especially around holidays.

Most Irish families a religious. Church, especially, is an important part of the family dynamic. But it's even more important that every family member goes to church during holidays.

3. And holidays are not small endeavors.

And after church, everyone will show up to the dinner all nicely dressed and newly blessed.

4. Every girl owns a Claddagh ring.

This ring is a must-own for Irish women. It is a tradition that symbolizes loyalty (by the crown), friendship (by the hands), and love (by the heart). A girl will wear the ring so that the heart is facing upside down, symbolizing that her heart is not taken hence she is single. When the girl finds love, however, she will wear the ring so the heart's right side up to symbolize that her heart is taken.

5. Somewhere in the bloodline, you’re related to a redhead.

There may only be one or there may be multiple. Either way, there is no disagreeing that redheads are truly special. Sometimes they may fall victim to hair color jokes, but they truly are a beautiful rarity.

6. There’s an old Irish blessing hanging somewhere in yours or your grandma’s house.

Typical Irish family decor is hanging some plaque or picture containing an old Irish blessing. Or you may find some actual pictures of Ireland or Irish saints. Whichever the case may be, there is no hiding the obvious lineage.

7. Beer.

Irish people drink and mostly drink a lot of beer. There’s really not much more you can say on it, it’s just kind of a fact.

8. Family.

One important part of Irish culture is family. It truly is family over everything. This ideology is why the Irish have big families and celebrations. It is why they are very loving people who enjoy having fun. It’s being surrounded by the people they love that make Irish people who they are.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196887
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18853
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460889
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28317
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments