Oh the Green Shamrocks -Postcard Friendship Friday #396

I love Ireland and all things Irish.  Green is one of my favorite colors--and this charming postcard by artist Ellen Clapsaddle is one of my favorites.

The man for whom St. Patrick’s Day is named was born into an aristocratic family in Roman Britain around the end of the fourth century. As a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland, where for years he was a slave. Eventually he escaped, only to return later on as a missionary who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle.  After his death he was named the patron saint of Ireland. 

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, which began as a religious holiday, is celebrated March 17 on the Feast of St. Patrick. 

 Irish immigrants who came to America were the first to honor their heritage while embracing their new homeland on this holiday. They held parades, ate wonderful authentic Irish foods, with more than a bit of a party thrown in.  Thanks to Irish folks in the United States and elsewhere, St. Patrick’s Day eventually evolved from a little known religious holiday into a secular celebration of all things Irish. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City in the 1760s.  

However, it wasn't until much later St. Patrick's Day was actually celebrated in Ireland itself.  Thankfully, today it has become a national holiday with schools and government buildings closed.

Because there are some 34.5 million Americans claiming to be primarily, or partially of Irish descent, the wearing of the green on March 17 is still going strong here.  Indeed, I am proud of my Irish heritage—as was my Daddy.

I wish you Happy St. Patrick's Day, dear Friends.  Blessings and joy to each of you and have a lovely Postcard Friendship Friday!

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Ireland Forever! -Postcard Friendship Friday #111

Over the years I've wondered about the meaning of Erin go Bragh and how that phrase relates to Ireland and St. Patrick's Day.  I finally thought to look it up.  Erin go Braugh is the English translation of an Irish phrase Eirinn go Brach.  It is used to express allegiance to Ireland.  It is most often translated as Ireland forever, literally Ireland til' doomsday--or the end of time.

Considering the long and sometimes tragic history of the Irish, their allegiance to their country touches my heart.  As Dad once told me, once you win the heart of an Irishman, it is yours forever.  Their fierce loyalty to family, friend and country is a beautiful thing.

I am sorry I've put this up a little late.  We are still recovering from a frightening chimney fire.

I'm expecting the crew of folks who are cleaning away smoke damage to be here shortly.  (grin)  I had no idea what went into cleaning up after a fire.

The crew has been cleaning every nook and cranny of our house for almost two weeks!  These wonderful hard-working ladies are hoping to be done today.  I am in awe of what they've accomplished.  I believe our old house is cleaner than it has been since it was built over 100 years ago!

Have a lovely weekend and Happy Postcard Friendship Friday!

* LINKING UP:  You can put your link in any time between now and next Thursday.  Postcard Friendship Friday is open for the entire week! 

* BADGE:  When you submit a postcard, be sure to put a link back to this page.  You can copy and paste the PFF badge, which has the link embedded.  Thank you!

*  THEMES: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the pieces you love and tell us why you like them.

*  REMINDER: Comments and links which contain advertising will be deleted. Also, any and all suspicious links which do not lead to a correct website will be reported and deleted.

Erin Go Braugh - Postcard Friendship Friday #55

I have always wondered what Erin go braugh meant.  It is actually the phonetic pronunciation of "Éirinn go brách," which in Irish (Gaelic) means "Ireland Forever." The phrase was an Irish blessing used to express allegiance to Ireland. It could also be translated as "Ireland 'till doomsday," "Ireland until eternity," "Ireland until the end (of time)" or "Ireland until the Day of Judgment."  

As I did my research for today's PFF, I became fascinated with the long history of Irish Pipes.  The first Irish pipes were made of clay and were called Dúidíns.  They were smoked by both men and women and they were an integral part of an Irish wake.

In an Irish Wake, when the deceased was prepared and laid out on a bed or table--often in the largest room of the house--the body was surrounded with lit candles, covered in white linen adorned with black or white ribbons and flowers. Clay pipes, tobacco and snuff were placed on a table nearby. Every male caller was expected to take at least one puff from a pipe. The smoke was believed to keep evil spirits from finding the soul of the person who died.  Occasionally, a pipe was laid on the chest of the deceased.

Some pipes in the olden days were also made of  Meerschaum and porcelain. But these pipes were not for the ordinary Irish man, or woman. Intricately decorated, they were prized as souvenirs. In a wealthy Irish home, they might have been reserved as a "Sunday pipe." 

According to tradition , before smoking, the shank of the clay pipe was dipped into some Guinness or Whiskey. This sealed the mouthpiece and imparted a good flavor to the clay.  Real tobacco was so expensive the peasants could not afford it, so the resourceful Irish came up with a substitute -- coltsfoot, combined with dried wild rose petals and other herbs.  This homemade mix was called "spone."

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Erin Go Braugh!

Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.