The Heart of the Irish

March is commonly recognized for Saint Patrick’s Day, which is a holiday celebrated worldwide. This celebration commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as showcasing its rich culture. Saint Patrick’s Day spread to the United States in 1737 through Irish soldiers who were indentured servants for the British Army. Since then the holiday has flourished throughout the U.S and continues to bring awareness and growing popularity to the renowned Irish traditions. 

 

Currently in the U.S, there are 31.5 million Irish people and California is home to 2.3 million people of Irish heritage. “I know many Irish families in our community because that’s who my parents surround themselves with,” says sophomore Eoghan Creegan. In the 1840s and 1850s there was an influx of Irish people immigrating to the United States due to economic collapse in their home country caused by the Great Famine. With an immense loss of the population as a result of starvation and disease, Irish workers desperately joined the hunt for gold in California. In present days the majority of Irish immigrants come to America because of job opportunities similar to the 1800’s. Maggie O’Leary (‘27) says that her dad moved to America from Ireland soon after college upon receiving a job offer. Another student added that when her mom was offered a job in San Francisco, her parents looked at it as “you’ll only get this opportunity once.” 

 

Some may say Ireland has similarities with America considering that 98% of the population speaks fluent English. In comparison, in Ireland only 39% of the population can speak Gaelic, which is the official language of the nation. A student says, “My dad has lived in Ireland almost his whole life and knows little to no Irish, but my mom who lived an hour away grew up fluent in Irish.” It ranges throughout Ireland where Irish is taught as children’s first language. It’s different in every city which factors the degree of Irish people know. 

 

Being Irish comes with a wide variety of traditions that have been passed down through generations as well as stereotypes. In particular, a popular tradition during Saint Patrick’s Day is enjoying a meal of corned beef and cabbage, which brings friends and family together in celebration. A common misconception is that all Irish people are ginger, but Roisin Creegan (‘25) says out of her 50 close relatives only one of them is actually ginger. Contrary to stereotypes, not every redhead is Irish.

 

March is filled with Irish culture featuring Saint Patrick Day and Irish American Heritage Month. Send your appreciation to your favorite Irish friend, and don’t forget to wear green to avoid being pinched this year!