"'Irish' means the men and women who have lived in Ireland in the past, or as still living there today, as well as Irish-Americans, Irish-Australians, Irish-Canadians and others throughout the world." The culture of Ireland and her people continue to influence all cultures that come into contact with the Irish. Modern Irish culture was formed from a mixture of ancient traditions, religion, and interactions with non-Irish people. According to Edward Tylor, "culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, arts, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society" (Kottak, 62). "Customs help to tie the Irish together and express [their] character" (http://irishculture.about.com).
The character of Irish people cannot be simply and plainly stated for they are as complicated and diverse people as any other culture. The customs concerning love and death are an important part of Irish culture. When an Irish couple wants to be married there are many options open to them. If they wish to be married in a traditional Irish way, the couple may choose to participate in a Handfasting. "Handfasting is an ancient Celtic custom, especially common in Ireland and Scotland, in which a man and woman come together at the start of their marriage relationship" (http://irishculture.about.com). The couple joins hands and they are bound together by their wrists. This tradition yielded the expression "tying the knot." The agreement made when the hands are tied usually lasts for a year and a day. After that they can decide whether to make a more lasting bond or to be bound for another year.
There is an Old Irish proverb that goes. "May you be in heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you're dead!" This attitude describes and partly explains the celebratory actions that follow an Irish wake. "The wake is an integral part of the grieving process as family, friends and neighbors gather to comfort each other at their communal loss and to provide support to the immediate family of the dead" (http://irishculture.about.com). The wake lasts from the time of death until the funeral. Women "lay out" the body on a bed or table. Then there is a ritual lamentation by women called keening. "The Irish have always loved a good party and the wake, like any other gathering in the community, became an occasion to share food and drink, have music and dancing and to enjoy some physical games."
References:
http://irishculture.about.com Patricia Friend, columnist. About.com
Kottak, Conrad Phillip. Anthropology. McGraw Hill. New York, 2000. 62.
Author: Jessica Steffen