The Irish also brought over rich music and song that have been widely accepted in American culture. Many “traditional” irish songs use instruments like the tin whistle, flute, harp, and pipes (most noteably the bagpipes). Irish music also had an affect on American music as well. Elements of traditional Irish ballads introduced during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries are easily found in many American folk songs and Irish fiddle music greatly influenced American country music. I’ve posted a few youtube links here for you to have a look at, or more of a listen, if you choose. You can really tell the difference in the style of the folk song. The flute music and dance music are closer in style.

Irish dance is another deeply rooted tradition that has been widely accepted, not only in america, but all over the world. This acceptance is often credited to Riverdance and, more recently, Lord of the Dance. There is actually a world championship of irish dancing now that is held in dublin and people from England, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand often compete. Irish dance is said to have originated from Druids who did religious dances to honor the oak tree and the sun. Even after the Celts converted to Christianity, their music and dance remained the same. Even the dresses they wear today are representative of peasant dresses that were worn hundreds of years ago, and most of them have hand-embroidered celtic designs on them. Again Ive posted a few youtube links if you’re interested in watching a few irish dances.

This particular slide is not too be taken too seriously. While the information I’m telling you is correct, The picture to the left is simply one that made me laugh. It does hold a little truth though, in that the Irish do prefer the “meat and potatoes” style, hearty meals. particularly stews, dairy products like butter, milk, and cheese, breads, and of course potatoes. These are often the types of foods you’ll find served at pubs in America along with smoked salmon that is imported from ireland, corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, and coddle which is a dish made with bacon, sausages, onions, and potatoes. Many irish americans also drink plenty of tea, and I couldn’t talk about food and drink without bringing up Irish Whiskeys and beer. Now, it is important here to remember not to stereotype or assume that all irish and irish-americans drink. However irish americans do have a sort of pride and belief that irish whiskeys and beer are better than all the others.

And finally, we’ve made it to St. Patrick’s day! The funny thing about St patricks day is that it was originally a religious holiday to remember and thank St patrick for bringign christianity to ireland. To this day, those in ireland still celebrate it as more of a religious holiday, and are a bit more subdued than elsewhere in the world. Irish-americans celebrate it with a bit more enthusiasm. In many large american cities where the irish originally immigrated to (like Boston, New york, and chicago) there are huge parades and celebrations. New york city in fact has the largest parade, and Chicago dyes the chicago river green every year for the holiday. Let’s be honest though, get on your green, because everyone’s irish on st patrick’s day.

Irish Americans Co-Culture presentation by: Kristin Terrel

History in Ireland Celtic people, or Gaels, occupied the land Folklore and legend influences St. Patrick introduced Christianity Endured several centuries of battle with the English The Act of Union passed in 1800, combining Ireland and Great Britain

In case you were wondering… 1914: home rule passed but was pushed aside Easter Monday 1916: Irish rebelled 1921: The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed 1949: Irish Free State became the Republic of Ireland 6 northern counties still belong to the UK

Coming to America From 1820-1900, an estimated 4 million Irish came to America English power led many away Growing populations in Ireland couldn’t be supported by the land alone Multiple severe potato famines left little food

Building America Many immigrants couldn’t continue to farm once they got to America No money to purchase land Insufficient skill Little experience Instead many began building America by Mining Building bridges and canals Constructing railroads Becoming Ironworkers Others were dockworkers, ironworkers, factory-hands, bartenders, carters, street cleaners, hod-carriers, and waiters

Irish-American Armed Forces Irish have fought in every American war Revolutionary Estimated 38% of Washington’s army was Irish Irish were only 10% of the population though Civil “The Fighting 69th” may be most famous Irish unit 38 other union units had “Irish” in their name “as many as 40,000 Confederate soldiers were born in Ireland”

Good Luck Charms 4 leaf clovers A shamrock, or 3-leaf clover, represents the Holy Trinity A fourth leaf is said to represent God’s grace Horseshoes Traditionally used in weddings Held upright so that luck doesn’t “run out”

Music Irish music has influenced American folk and country music Common instruments include pipes, tin whistle, flute, fiddle, concertina, harp, and the bodhrán Irish traditional dance music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljmO6oNOKfs&feature=related Irish song flute music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ8B-Wl_trQ The Rising of the Moon - Irish folk song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0zBlHlnR4Y&feature=related

Dance International popularity Riverdance Lord of the Dance World Championships Druid origins Celtic-style peasant dresses Wedding Irish Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0vrDaAhI9k&feature=related Notre Dame Irish Dance Team 2008 Dance Fest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC0R8dfnEgg&feature=related

Food & Drink Hearty meals Stews Potatoes Dairy Breads Teas Whiskey & Beer

Religious Holiday in Ireland Celebration in the rest of the world New York City Main cathedral is dedicated to St. Patrick Largest and most famous parade Seoul, Korea Chicago