Little Egypt Heritage Articles eduda tsunogisdi © Bill Oliver 18 March 2007 Vol 6 Issue: #11 ISBN: Pending O’siyo, Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen of Little Egypt, “Irish Myths” My readings of late have centered around the subject of myths, legends and stories, since yesterday was, among other things, St Patrick’s Day and the Wearing of the Green. Well, yesterday was a bright brisk day ushered in to celebrate my wife’s birthday. We, she and I, have seen a few of these and the day was as bright and light as she. Now she’s no Irish, but Brit no less, while I through the male lineage just might be Irish from shortly following our disputes with William the Conquerer [that is 1300 there’bouts]. This, now, according to a well distanced cousin who has extended her bro’s yDNA to 64 markers. We match 34 of 36 markers. ‘Cousin Kate’ has a professional researcher who is working toward our history. Now, it seems that when St Patrick’s Day rolls around, most folk find at least a wee bit o’ the Irish in themselves. We Yanks will use every excuse to have parties, get-togethers, and salute the day with Green Beer and Corned Beef and Cabbage. Well, some recognize that Corned Beef is not an Irish invention. Corned Beef it seems was an American subsitution. [There goes the Reuben Sandwich. See below for a recipe.] There are other foods to celebrate the ‘green’ such as spinach, asparagus, potatoes or rice topped with parsley, and green jello. Speaking of the Reuben Sandwich, take your pick as to who invented it. The two given credit for it are Arnold Reuben, a German immigrant and Reuben Kulakofsky, an Omaha grocer. And, according to my newspaper, the sandwich was created in Manhattan for Annette Seebos, an actress who made an appearance in a Charlie Chaplin movie in 1914. The other was created ten years later during a poker game with ‘what-ever was found in the kitchen’. In Ireland, apparently the closest thing to ‘corned beef’ is the ‘boiling bacon’ which is from the shoulder or collar. At any rate the classic grilled Reuben is a messy, drippy sandwich taking more than one napkin. Well, Irish we are, that’s for sure, but Northern Irish, thus as Protestants we probably wore not the Green, but supported the “Orange” [William of Orange, that is]. Now you have to be knownin’ that the ‘wearin’ of the green’ is not an Irish custom, but a Yankee one. I’m told that the color green is not popular in the Emerald Isle. They say that it reminds them of the old green flag and the time when Ireland was not a free state. Now when I was but a tad of a lad, there was a custom the Yank’s offspring invented for them what didn’t wear the green on St Patty’s Day – twas pinchin’ their classmates who didn’t display the color. St Patrick’s Day IS by far Ireland’s greatest holiday. But, then it is a Holy Day also. The day marks the anniversary of the death of the patron saint of Ireland. Now St Patrick was the son of a wealthy Britain about 390 A.D. Irish raiders got their hands on him when he was but sixteen and transported him to Ireland. For about six years he was a shepherd. Being alone [away from people] he used his religion for solace. The first known St Patrick’s Day parade has it origin in America. To be sure, it was Irish soldiers in the service of the King who did the marchin’ on the 17th of March 1762. Along with Irish music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their roots. This grew into annual parades which became a show of strength and solidarity for Irish Americans. Politicians used the New York parade as a must attend. Sayings and blessings that I enjoy that have roots with Irishmen: “Here’s to a wet night and a dry morning.” Aye, this could be literal or a wish for no headache in the morning after. “Here’s to the light heart and the heavy hand.” Dad used to say his Dad had the light hand and the heavy heart when it came to disciplining him. You’ve wondered where the expression “The Jig’s Up” came from. Well, I ‘dinna know’, but I heard it this way: The Leprechauns are laughing For their day is finally here The legends and the folklore Seep through the atmosphere The dancers are all ready An Irish jig is in the air The walls of the pubs are bursting, There is not an empty chair As the night becomes the morning, The barman leads the song From Danny Boy to Irish Eyes The serenade goes on. Then a husky voice is heard to say Make this your final stein For St Patrick’s day is over At it’s time Gentlemen it’s time. So ... “Here’s to absent friends and here’s twice to absent enemies.” e-la-Di-e-das-Di ha-WI NV-WA-do-hi-ya NV-WA-to-hi-ya-da. (May you walk in peace and harmony) Wado, Bill -=- 797 PostScript: "Myths are universal and timeless stories that reflect and shape our lives ..." Alexander McCall Smith, Dream Angus REUBEN SANDWICH [Jewish] Rye Bread [or pumpernickel] Butter Durkee's Famous Sauce [or mayonnaise] Corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut (added as per your taste) Butter rye bread for grilling. Spread inside with Durkee's Famous Sauce. Add corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut; grill and serve with cole slaw and a pickle.