St. Paddy's in Conyers

**thescot** · 13th March 10, 08:37 PM

What he said.

Also, I love to mess with the US folks who don't know the difference between Ireland and Northern Ireland. I do stuff like put on orange or wear a green bonnet and Royal Irish badge. it's kind of a private joke between me and the 2 or 3 who get it.

It really does offer a chance to talk about the Scoti originating in Ireland, talking the the IScots-irish, and generally having a good time that is safe and friendly. Our celebration family friendly, and few take it very seriously.

**Radge** · 14th March 10, 01:49 AM

Fair points chaps, thanks for responding.

**denmcdough** · 14th March 10, 05:30 AM

[COLOR="Indigo"]Yes, all of the above!

It does seem that Irish-Americans really take St. Paddy's Day to another level. Why? Well, it's a show of solidarity, and a way of saying, "Hey, look at us, we finally have assimilated into American Society."

If you look at the history of the Irish coming to America, you'd understand. When they got here, they were treated as bad if not worse than what they had back in Ireland. In fact, slaves had more value than the Irish. And it was the Irish who did all the dirty work.

The Irish were the first wave of immigrants to the American shores who came in great numbers, and it was this group that really tested the Constitution of the US. The general population looked at the Irish as a burden on the society...they filled the prisons, they filled the welfare roles, they have no skills, they looked different, etc. And, most importnatly, they were sent here as a conspiracy by Rome, the Papacy, to send the population into disarray.

The American Know Nothing Party came about, as a response to the Irish influx, to stop the spread of the Irish culture...churches were burned, people were terrorized and killed. The Irish were not welcome! So, I think this is the reason why Irish-Americans celebrate St. Paddy's Day the way they do. Early on, it was the Irish struggle to fit in. We've come a long way and, we now fit in. So, on this glorious day, everyone can be Irish! [/COLOR]

**turpin** · 14th March 10, 08:19 AM

A lot of Americans associate kilts with Ireland because their only exposure to them is in their annual St. Patrick'd Day parade. Also, there are a number of Irish organizations, such as the Emerald Society, and any number of police and firefighter groups, that have or sponsor pipe bands.

And yes, it's another excuse for some to wear the kilt out in public and have a ready-made reason. If needed.

**thescot** · 16th March 10, 02:25 PM

Denmcdough and Turpin made some very cogent points. I have a very devout Roman Catholic friend who will not participate in the bachanalia that is ST. Paddy's in most places because St. Patrick is his patron, and he is very serious about keeping the feast day.

But for many, especially the young who are no longer educated, it is simply an excuse to get drunk and have fun. (The two are not synonimous!

) Unfortunately, most US children get so little history that they only think of "Irish" as having to do with leprechauns and things green. Few of them know what wearing the orange means, even though in my neck of the woods, the Scots-Irish protestants were likely their ancestors.

I enjoy it as the first outing of the (almost) Spring to which I can take my grandchildren and have a nice afternoon. I'm too old to get drunk, but our celebration in Conyers will please everyone. The young (and old) get out early and walk and talk and eat, and the young crazies can show out late in the evening.

Everyone wins.

**Radge** · 16th March 10, 02:45 PM

If you look at the history of the Irish coming to America, you'd understand. When they got here, they were treated as bad if not worse than what they had back in Ireland.

Aye, I'm aware of this unfortunate historic attitude, unfortunately there is an element of this still prevalent today, speaking from personal experience. I don't want to elaborate as I feel this may take us into the political realm too much which is to be avoided, afterall the bitter effects of recent Irish history are still palpable for many people in the British Isles. The Irish in America whether from the Catholic or Protestant Communities have a lot to celebrate in their achievements, so I sure you'll all do it in style on the 17th. Slainte.

P.S. How big is Tartan Day over The Pond?

**fluter** · 16th March 10, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Radge

[

P.S. How big is Tartan Day over The Pond?

We're working on it!

**thescot** · 16th March 10, 07:46 PM

[QUOTE=Radge;864204. . . P.S. How big is Tartan Day over The Pond?[/QUOTE]

Needs a lot of work. I hope to contribute.

**Radge** · 17th March 10, 09:46 AM

Best of luck then lads!

**thescot** · 22nd March 10, 09:49 AM

I have one final post for this thread. I did fianlly get one lousy picture of my granddaughter and me at the parade. There are a couple of interesting points:

1. The hose are new, hand-knitted to my measurements--bespoke--by our very own piperdbh of the highlands of North Carolina. They are quite warm, and I doo love the color and detail.
2. They were actually knitted to complement my forth-coming Ulster tartan kilt when is not yet here. But I couldn't wait, so I broke out the new graters from the Tartan Museum and wore 'em anyway.
3. It was rainy and drizzling, so Maddie and I may look a bit frazzled.
4. My green bonnet lloks pretty good after a resoaking insprired by Jock's thread.

Oh, yes, and . . .
5. the pink umbrella is not mine, and I know it clashes with with the hose!