Irish Costumes for Traditional Holidays
The Irish are known for a many things and celebrating holidays and special occasions is one of them. Although St. Patrick's Day might spring to mind when you think of Irish holidays, there are a few other holidays throughout the year that the Irish also celebrate. Parades and other community events are held during some holidays and Irish people often wear costumes when celebrating these events.
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St. Patrick's Day
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St. Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday that has spread throughout the world. Many Irish don costumes from dawn til dusk on March 17. Costumes are almost always kelly green or of shades of green, Ireland's national color and the color associated with this holiday. Costumes worn in more modern times might include kilts, leprechaun embellishments or Guinness memorabilia. Leprechaun costumes usually include a green vest, hat, bowtie, knee-length trousers, and white, knee-high stockings. Many Irish wear an Irish flag as part of their costume, whether it's a fully-sized flag as a cape or a smaller print or stitched flag on their clothing.
Halloween
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Halloween is said to have originated in Ireland by the Celtic people, and this holiday has continued to be popular throughout the Emerald Isle. People in Ireland dress in "fancy dress" or costumes much like people in America. Costumes range just as they do in the U.S. and depend on what's popular at the time. They can also vary depending on current events. Standard costumes usually seen every year include witch, banshees and ghost costumes.
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Other Costumed Occasions
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Irish dancing has long been a tradition in Ireland and more recently has spread throughout other parts of the world. Irish dance troupes wear costumes depending on their role in the dance and the region they are from. For example, a troupe based in County Clare or with roots tied to that area wear a costume specific to that region. All dancers wear the same costume apart from soloists. Those with a solo wear a slightly different costume to stand out. Irish dance troupes perform at special occasions and holiday events.
Considerations
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Many Irish costumes vary not only by holiday but by region as well. If you travel to Ireland for a holiday, research the region you are going. Also, consider the event you will attend. If it's a parade on St. Patrick's Day, your costume for this may vary by region. For example, a parade in rural Ireland is often a low-key affair so, although people wear costumes, they aren't as elaborate as those worn to a parade in Dublin.
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- Photo Credit Irish Flag image by Rebs O from Fotolia.com
