We have plenty of nostalgia for old Irish traditions that have been lost over time. Here are ten extinct Irish traditions that should be brought back.
No matter what decade you were born or grew up in, we can almost guarantee that there is at least one Irish tradition you miss. What if you could bring one back, what would it be and why?
We love everything Irish, whether that’s the country’s beautiful landscape, its delicious food, or its friendly people. Ireland also has some pretty unique traditions, so let’s take a look at the top ten extinct Irish traditions that should be brought back.
10. The milkman – waking up to fresh milk on the doorstep
Everyone loved waking up in the morning to see that the milkman had come and gone, leaving glass bottles of milk on the doorstep.
Nowadays, when you run out of milk, you have to go to the shop yourself – it simply doesn’t compare!
9. Easter Saturday – a day of silence
Traditionally, Easter Saturday was a day of silence. People used to take this vow for the entire day and would go to mass to have their Holy water blessed for Easter Sunday.
Maybe we could just bring back the vow of silence – we’re sure that some parents out there would be grateful for a whole day of silence!
8. May Day – May Day in its heyday
Held on the first day of summer, much like the famous Swedish Midsommer, May Day was a grand celebration to ring in the new season.
On this day, people would gather around a massive bonfire, which was said to bless the home, the family, and their livestock.
7. Meeting the love of your life at a dance – love to dance, dance to love
We all know an old couple who met many moons ago at one of the traditional dances each community used to have.
Let’s bring back the chivalrous tradition of the old school dances where men asked the women to dance, and the rest became history. How cute!
6. Irish language – lifestyle and tradition
Of course, the Irish language was a way of life rather than a tradition, but the two go hand in hand – and it definitely deserves a place on this list.
Imagine if we all still spoke fluent Irish, how cool that would be? Luckily Ireland does its best to keep the Irish language alive, so maybe one day we can all be Irish speakers again.
5. Family sing-song – a family that sings together, stays together
There are plenty of families out there who still do this but, as tradition goes, Irish families of yore would come together in one household to sing their beloved songs together, each getting a chance to sing their part.
This was a beautiful family tradition and involved many reunions and happy memories.
4. Sheelagh’s Day – the old St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrated on 18th March, the old way of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day was to eat and drink until the early hours of Sheelagh’s Day.
This day was widely recognised in old Ireland, and many of its traditions are similar to that of St. Paddy’s. Shamrocks were worn, and whiskey was drunk until late.
3. Good Friday – a day of rest
Traditionally, Good Friday has played a massive part in the Irish culture and still does for many today, but some of the daily activities have been scrapped.
Good Friday was originally to be a day of rest, where no work outside of the home should be done, in preparation for Easter Sunday. Instead, many people would go shopping and get themselves groomed.
These days, some businesses stay open on Good Friday, and life goes on as normal.
2. Bilberry Sunday – a fruit festival with a twist
Bilberrys, smaller than a blueberry but with more flavour, were traditionally picked on the last Sunday in July.
As time went on, this berry picking day became a festival where people would hope to meet their future partner. This tradition has such a lovely story behind it, and we think it should definitely be brought back.
1. The wedding handkerchief – a beautiful sentiment
Traditionally in Irish wedding ceremonies, the bride would be given a special hanky, known as a magic handkerchief, which was to be wrapped around her bouquet. Down the line, the same fabric would also be used to make a christening bonnet for their first child.
Today, some vendors sell these handkerchiefs with specific instructions on how to make it into a bonnet for the traditional folk, but it’s so rare. We think this is a lovely tradition that should be brought back.
And there we have ten extinct Irish traditions that should be brought back. Ireland has some amazing customs, and we don’t know which one is our favourite. What Irish traditions do you think should be brought back?
