Celebrate

With St. Patricks Day around the corner, I think back to my time in Ireland. I was lucky enough as a teenager to be a part of a church trip to Ireland, Scotland and England with my choir. We sang in some of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever set foot in, and even just thinking about it makes my heart flutter. That trip fostered a deep connection to my Irish heritage, especially our time in Dublin. Strolling the lively streets and exceptionally gorgeous Trinity campus, I could feel the pulse of the people and it felt like home.

Long Island has always been a friend to this part of my heritage. As a child, I spent a decade Irish step dancing in barns, classrooms and competition halls, and obsessing over the Lord of the Dance. I can still bust out a jig if the Whiskey is right, but I digress. There are bars, churches, dance academies, and hundreds of Irish immigrants, and children of, all over this Island.

As the scents of Spring begin to fill the air outside, I believe a true celebration of the day in question, should be a celebration of freedom. Flowers are coming to bloom, birds are building nests and we are free to wander in the warmth of the sun. Let this be an inspiration for upcoming crafts, bakes, cooks and activities. Let this be a reminder that people can always rise to any occasion. Though the Irish faced ill will and persecution when they first immigrated, they are now a staple in the American melting pot, adding their own special flavor to the mix.

Corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and Guinness come to mind when this holiday is on the horizon. Low and slow cooking that makes the house smell like comfort, pops of sweetness inside crumbly delicious bread, and a dark tonic that is rumored to cure all ails. Many local bakeries stock Irish soda bread around this time, warmed with some thick Kerrygold butter and paired with some coffee or tea, this makes for a delicious breakfast treat.

Whether you watch some cheesy St. Patty’s Day movie, partake in some classic step dancing or enjoy some of the tastes of the season, I urge you to take a dip into the Irish culture. It’s important we experience other customs and cultures aside from our own. It can help to bring us closer as a society by creating some commonality and understanding. Even if it’s not a holiday, every day is a good day to learn about each other. The world is a fascinating and wonderful place, and we are lucky to be here together.

by Catie Zimmerman

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Celebrate

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