When I hear mention of Ireland, then just remember the fairy-tale characters - elves, fairies, trolls. And the fiery Irish jig. And, of course,eselogo Irishman, Mr. Craig, in a high, decorated with shamrock green hat, resembling a mushroom-slicker. The very red-faced, with a red beard, celtic, nose-potatoes, bright, attentive eyes, funny a small mouth, and yet (as without it?) with a mug of beer in his hand - this classic image of a inimitable. As, however, and any indigenous Irish, absorbed the traditions of its unique people.
First, some facts. Ireland occupies the largest island of the British archipelago. Population here - entirely descendants Celts Christians denomination (greater than 90% - Catholic and less than 5% - Protestants). Even the flag of the country shows the peaceful coexistence of the two directions of the Christian faith: the orange color symbolizes the Protestants, green - Catholics, well, white - that they live peacefully together.
By the way, in Ireland live in most people with higher education in the European Union.
The national language is English or Irish. But the Irish (Gaelic) are so rarely used that those who know him and can speak it wear special badges on their clothes, thus showing that it is possible to communicate in this ancient with them language.
In general, the locals are open to communication with tourists. From you will never turn back, if necessary, be sure to help the council. However despite the apparent good nature and openness of the Irish, do not hurry up at the meeting to throw them into the arms of another, or in any way to cross their "personal space."
The locals do not tolerate familiarity, and when the maximum agree to embrace the stranger, it's a win favorite football team. Frankly, these charismatic descendants of the Celts something reminds me of us, Ukrainians: on the one hand they great individualists - "none of my business," and on the other - for a friend and associate of ready and the last shirt share.
Our peoples have a similar mock-ironic character. After living for a while in Ireland, it is easy to assemble a collection of colorful local expressions. In accordance with the emotional nature, they now and then, on their own would from the Irish word. This is a live, vibrant and colorful phrases that accurately describe a person or event: "It's so cold that even the wild duck grab rheumatism"; "In the house we have so little water that is not even enough to christen the witch. "
Such irony and famous Ukrainian proverbs: "Skilko Melnitsa not Pius, one that all three of chverti Vod triptych", "Hotiv vtopitsya, that cold water."
If we have the birthday on the day of the birthday man birthday pull the ears, the Irish-made birthday flip upside down and... gently beating my head against the floor as many times as he was, plus once - as a wish health and good luck for the whole year until the next birthday.
Ukrainians love the melody played on the bandura, and Irish feel a peculiar love for the harp. Harp everywhere: on postage stamps; on a big national holiday dedicated to Saint Patrick; Even the bridge in Dublin - and the one made in the form of a harp!
Speaking of St. Patrick's festival. Celebrate it every year on March 17 - the Day of Independence. On this day, everything repainted in green - even the river are completely emerald green for a day. People out on the streets to have fun, and make a noise, of course, have a drink in the pub (by the way, here they are called "pubami"). Traditionally it is considered to organize on that day hits, sometimes these processions take on virtually multinational character.
So parades in St. Patrick's Day held in Chicago (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Buenos Aires (Argentina). This holiday can still be characterized as advertising Irish culture. Since this country was for a long time under the authority of the United Kingdom and only recently regained its independence, the residents are trying to revive their culture, language, and Independence Day open national trade fairs, selling books in Irish Irish writers in the national style souvenirs, national costumes.
I must say, the Irish are very suitable for all national. "Kiss me, I - an Irishman! "- a typical sign on green T-shirts and souvenirs. "100% Irish manufacturing "- a label can be seen on many products, down to the socks.
As I have said before, a long time, Ireland was under British authority, which is surrounded by cushioning Irish exactions and... to motivate them to exercise even humor about it. For a long time the Irish were kept pigs in the common house, with people, explaining that she (pig) pays rent. Or, for example, this passage: many pubs hung an image of a black cat: it "informs" all around that the owner of this establishment is an animal, and it is here that we must take charge.
In everything and everywhere a reason to see the Irish joke, even at himself. But they wildly adore children, always support the victims. For example, it is normal when the needy Irishman literally gives all the money to help victims of the earthquake and floods in another continent.
The dispute - Irish national weakness. You will stump discuss someone's position, and if you are not actively agree - blame yourself. The dispute will drag on for a few hours: jumping from topic to topic, the Irish deftly changing shades of conversation, and the most serious debate can turn into a joke.
If you have an appointment, do not worry what you put on it a little bit delayed. In the country of the Emerald Isle this is normal if the Irishman was late for half an hour. by laugh off "we have our own here, the Irish half an hour."
A meeting will appoint an Irishman you are not at home, but in a pub - real Irish pub. But do not think that they are constantly disappearing behind the bar with a pint of beer in his hand. Not! Just a pub - it's not a place for gatherings with a pint of stout, but also a place where problems are resolved, marked significant dates and signed important contracts. These descendants of the Celts marvelously clever and talented. From virtually any business can find a benefit: not for nothing that they like to associate themselves with leprechauns, who, according to legend, everywhere can find gold.
Perhaps the gift is somehow connected with the fact that Ireland is living a huge number zlatovolosyh people, and in August in the village Krosskheyven, in County Cork, to spend the holiday red. After "ryzhestratsii" and get a ticket party redheads and their supporters can watch the concert on the red stage, study the history of art in the red, as well as compete in a variety of categories.
Among them, the contest "who has more freckles all per square inch," as well as the competition on the "best of the former red-haired" (necessary for him an old photograph).
Interesting fact
Most typically Irish surnames have the prefix "O" (O'Brien, O'Connor, O'Neill). "Oh," translates as the preposition "of". Similarly, the English "of" (of, from), answers the question "who?" or "from someone?". When the Irish like to say, "John, son of Brian," they used the excuse as a set-top box and said, "John O Brian." Thus, many Irish names that begin with "O", descended from the ancient custom of tying a son with his father's name.
