Irish Traditions Brought to America

Irish immigrants to America brought their traditions with them.

When the Irish emigrated to America, they brought more with them than a suitcase. Many immigrants came for the opportunity to own land and to escape religious persecution and famine. They brought with them, however, the traditions of their heritage. For generations, these traditions have been passed down to their American descendants.

Catholicism

One of the cornerstones of the Irish culture is religion. With many immigrants arriving to America with nothing more than the shirts on their back, the one thing they were able to hold onto was their Catholic religion. Irish-American neighborhoods began to develop throughout towns around social and religious activities. The Catholic Church became a fixture within these communities and a local gathering area. The strength of the culture's religion continues today.

The Irish Pub

Travel to virtually any city in the United States and you are bound to discover at least one Irish pub. You'll find even more in cities like New York, Boston and Chicago, where many immigrants continue to settle. A cozy interior, a freshly poured pint and a regular crowd of bar goers are the key elements of an Irish pub that have carried over to modern-day America.

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with food, drink and parades.

March 17th is a day that pays homage to Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Celebrated across the globe, the holiday honoring the saint evokes feelings of pride in Irish Americans. The day is often celebrated by wearing green clothing, eating traditional Irish foods or taking in a pint at the local Irish pub. Many cities throughout the U.S. host parades to commemorate the holiday.

The Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is a tangible symbol of love, friendship and loyalty. The ring is said to have originated in the town of Claddagh in County Galway over 400 years ago. Its design centers around a heart held by two hands with a crown above it. Many in Ireland use Claddagh rings for engagement rings but they are also popular pieces of jewelry in the United States. Worn with the heart pointing away from the hand means that the wearer is single. If the ring is worn with the heart facing the wearer, the person is spoken for.

Irish Dancing

Irish dancing is another ancient tradition that emigrants brought with them to America. Irish dancers used to dance in groups to the tune of bagpipes or fiddles. With the revitalization of the dance from performance groups like Riverdance, the art has become popular with many American children and teens. Irish dancers dress in costume to draw upon the Celtic heritage of the past. Many Irish American dance teams are entered into group competitions throughout the nation.

References

• Irish Immigration
• Irish Pubs
• St. Patrick