Travelers from around the world are very attracted to the Irish Celtic culture and travel to this country to learn more about it. Learn a little more about the traditions of Ireland.
St. Patrick's Day
The ultimate party in Ireland is the feast of St. Patrick, on 17 March each year. It is so popular that it is also celebrated in many parts of the world. Originally a religious celebration in honor of the teachings of the patron saint of Ireland.
On this date, the registered trade mark of the celebration is the use of green clover in traditional clothing and decorations. The shamrock symbolizes the teachings of the Holy Trinity that led Saint Patrick. Many people use small clover-shaped rosettes. During the day and countless parades are held in the evening, you can find festivals and celebrations in pubs across Ireland.
Halloween and Christmas in Ireland
Religion in Ireland is a wonderful fusion between European Christianity and original Celtic paganism in those lands. Some events, such as Halloween and Christmas are celebrated with many of the traditions that actually belonged to the ancient Celtic pagan calendar: Sahmain on Halloween and Christmas Yule.
Regarding Halloween, not only traditional Sahmanin celebrations continue on October 31 but also the All Souls Day is celebrated on November 1 and All Souls Day (Christian inclination) on November 2.
As for Christmas, the celebration combines popular elements of Catholic Christianity that are used in many Western countries, with some elements of Celtic tradition. Many families attend Christmas Eve mass and light candles in the window to light the birth of Jesus. The day after Christmas is also celebrated: it is St. Stephen's Day, a day of rest and to attend church and a big family dinner is organized.
Weddings in Ireland
A traditional Irish wedding is a beautiful ceremony. Many couples choose to honor the ancient Celtic rite of "joining hands" in their marriages, where the couple join hands tied through a loop. The famous tradition of marrying using "something blue, something new, something old and something borrowed" is of Irish origin.
Irish brides often add their white dresses a wreath on her head reminiscent of Celtic clothing, usually lavender, and no veils on the face are used. Even today many couples choose to use the ancient Celtic blessings for a life of love even when they are practicing Christians.
Traditional Folklore: Leprechauns
These friendly little men-elf so typical of the images are the leprechauns of Ireland, Irish players popular folklore. They are part of the mythology of the country that includes all Celtic myths about fairies and creatures of Middle Earth.
Legend has it that leprechauns lived in Ireland before the arrival of the Celts, and they are little elves wearing a traditional hat and vest that bring luck if you get caught with his pot of gold.
Music and dance
Music is a vital part of Irish identity and has been ever since. In traditional Celtic melodies stories passed through generations had. The instruments that make sound so characteristic of traditional Celtic music are flutes, bagpipes, violin, tin, low whistle and bodhrán.
Traditional Irish dancing has become known worldwide thanks to Celtic dance performances presented in many countries. It is a group, quick and fast footwork, very beautiful to watch dance.
Traditional Sports
In Ireland are played all sports known in any country (the most popular sport is rugby), but there are two that stand out and are typical of Irish tradition: Irish Gaelic football and hurling.
The irish hurling is a swift and swift sport played in 2 teams of 15 players with a ball called slither and a stick called hurley with the ball arc transported. There are many stories of mythology related to the sport.
Gaelic football dates back to the sixteenth century and is played between teams from different cities. It is a cross between soccer and rugby formerly played with teams of up to 100 players each.
