WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING . . .

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day and Happy Irish American Heritage Month!

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EVERYONE'S IRISH
THIS MONTH!

This is the month to celebrate all things Irish, but especially this week. Even if your name is Stanislavsky, Cho, or Martinez, everyone’s Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day! 

Are you superstitious? Ever knock on wood? Ever say "Bless you" when someone sneezes? Most of us are more superstitious than we care to admit. To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, here are some Irish superstitions among photos my Hero husband and I took while we were in Ireland, a place we love to visit, and it's even lovelier than the photos.

Irish fields in vivid green, separated by hedgerows and
unmortared rock fences.

Many of the ancient pagan religions considered objects in nature such as animals, rocks, and especially trees to be of much importance. Trees were believed to have magical abilities, specifically in the area of healing. Even human characteristics were attributed to trees; it was thought that they had memories and the ability to communicate with people under the right circumstances. So important were trees that there were a system of fines to be imposed on any who cut one down unnecessarily.

Killarney Park Estate with 52 chimneys and
365 windows, home open to public for tours

Even some of the rituals and superstitions that still exist today can trace their roots to Ireland of old. The practice of saying "touch wood" or "knock on wood" (often while performing said action) for good luck is a remnant of the pagan beliefs regarding trees. I asked you if you'd ever said or done this, remember? That will certainly bring new meaning to the expression the next time you hear it or say it yourself, won't it?



Blue building is the B&B in Sneem where Maureen O'Hara
stayed during the filming of the movie "The Quiet Man."
Hero and I had lunch there but then our tour moved on.



When yawning, make the sign of the cross instantly over your mouth, or the evil spirit will make a rush down and take up his abode with you. [Same reason for saying "Bless you" when a person sneezes.]

If the palm of your left hand itches you will be getting money; if the right, you'll be paying out money.

If your elbow itches, you will be changing beds.

Two Irishmen
shaking hands


It is unlucky to offer your right hand in salutation, for there is an old saying, "A curse with the left hand to those we hate, but the right hand to those we honor."

Riding in a jaunty cart at Killarney park
in County Kerry, Ireland

Breaking a mirror brought seven years of bad luck, while two people washing hands in the same basin at the same time courted disaster.


Never disturb the swallows, wherever they may build, and neither remove nor destroy their nests; for they are wise birds, and will mark your conduct either for punishment or favor. [Note: In reality, they are raptors that will eat the insects that annoy animals and people.]

If a man is ploughing a field, no one should cross the path of the horses.

Irish Traveler playing for coins at roadside rest stop.
For more on Irish Traverlers, see Caroline Clemmons' book,
THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE at
www.thewildrosepress.com/caroline-clemmons-m-638.html



By accident, if you find the back tooth of a horse, carry it about with you as long as you live, and you will never want money; but it must be found by chance.

To breakfast by candlelight on Christmas morning is lucky.
Two people washing hands in the same basin at the same time are courting disaster.If a chair falls when a person stands up, it is an unlucky omen.

My favorite:  Every day has one hour in which a wish may be granted and in which a person has the power to see spirits.

Please return on the 18th when British author Rachel Brimble will tell us about her harrowing escape from floods in Frejus, France last summer that rearranged her holiday. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by. Keep reading our books!