Growing up in a household with any traditions of culture is definitely a childhood to write home about. I felt the need to write about growing up Irish today because it is certainly an interesting background to have in this melting pot of a country. To say that growing up Irish is unique would be an understatement. It might have taken years for me to realize it’s important role in my life, but as an adult I can now appreciate and find humor in some of the best truths to being brought up Irish. Let the nostalgia begin!
1. Tea is no joke.
Passing up a cup of tea in an Irish household is not such a good idea. It’s a good choice to just take the damn cup of tea because you’ll be sitting there for hours and quite possibly several rounds of tea afterwards. It took me a while to understand how I like my tea, but once you’re in the club, you’re in. And there’s no turning back to the kiddie table.
2. Irish bars have a different scent than any other bars
Especially in my childhood when cigarette smoking wasn’t prohibited in bars. It might be the mixture of the Guinness, the scotch or the Jameson lingering in the air. But it could just as equally be the scent of drunks. I never could really tell and I’m not entirely positive I do even now. (Yes, I went to bars when I was young because the 90’s were quite different and a family member owned an Irish bar.)
3. Irish music WILL grow on you
Middle school will tell you otherwise. The Wolfe Tones aren’t the ticket to the in-crowd as a teenager. But growing up with constant irish music playing and in our local Irish restaurants, they become a part of your self and family.
4. You have a claddagh ring.
And most importantly you know which way it should face and what it stands for.
5. Your parents were more excited than you were that you got your license.
Let the adults pile into the car after a family party because you, my newly licensed friend, are driving them all. And they WILL blast Rick Springfield or Billy Joel.
6. Irish names are really, really Irish.
With a name like Tara Fitzpatrick, I’m often asked if I’m Italian.
7. Your family has owned dogs with Irish names including counties and towns.
It’s a shame people aren’t as nostalgic about Long Island… I’d love to have a dog named Suffolk.
8. A little wit goes a long way.
My grandfather will sit at the dinner table and not say a word until the end. At this time he will produce a one-liner with the most knowledgeable bit of wisdom and tack on the wit.
9. Most Irish people go by their middle names.
So often actually that calling them by their first name seems wrong.
10. At any given time, there were at least three rifles in your home.
Just incase the IRA needs a few most members in America. Always be prepared, of course.
11. Your family history can be tracked quite easily.
Mostly because my grandfather put in countless hours of research. But when you ask anyone from Ireland or Europe they can most likely account to each family member, how they died and when
12. If you go to Ireland, you better visit every family member you have.
Even if you don’t know their name. Even if you can’t understand their Derry accent.
13. Irish stereotypes are mostly all false.
Except for the drunk thing, thats pretty accurate. But most Irish have black have and light skin versus the typical red hair and green eyes stereotype. Although yes, it is common.
14. Irish people will give you the shirt off their back.
Not just Irish people do this, of course. However, I know that my whole family would give their right hand if I needed it. My grandparents are the matriarchs of the family and have instilled the same generosity in us all.
Tea With Charlie 