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I LOVE St. Patty’s Day.

“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

Apparently, twelve percent of us lie each year about being Irish. That’s not altogether shocking – as we’re a pretty cool group. (Assuming my parents didn’t lie to me, I’m a pale-skinned, card-carrying member of the Irish clan. Don’t let the glaringly Dutch last name fool you.) But why is it that we all want to be Irish for St. Patrick’s Day?

Aside from the obvious reasons of drinking a lot of beer, Irish toasts and Celtic jigs, I think there’s a certain appeal to “belonging.” I don’t have a problem with someone pretending to be Irish one day a year. In fact, I think the Irish would be flattered. The more the merrier.

This brings up another point. Do most of you know where your ancestors are from? I have a vague idea, but for the most part no. I help produce an international festival each year, but unfortunately don’t really have any family cultural traditions to speak of. My family eats tamales each year for Christmas - not because we’re Mexican but because we REALLY like Mexican food. Our family traditions run more along the lines of religiously watching football over Thanksgiving, relentlessly taking every opportunity to embarrass one another, and passing along the crazy from one generation to the next.

Anyone have any fun family/cultural traditions?

Shameless plug: If you want to get a taste of some different cultures, check out Celebrate Lincoln this summer. You can volunteer and get in for free. And yes, we will have Guinness! And Celtic music!

Slainte!

Frances