Holly branches festooned in red berries together with ivy leaves were transformed into festive Christmas decorations when I was growing up in Ireland. Have you ever wondered why this beautiful greenery is associated with Christmas? Why are we drawn to nature at this time of year, when the days are longer and the nights seem […]
Furze – The Yellow Flower Of The Irish Landscape
Ireland’s hills and hedgerows are blooming with the golden glow of yellow furze. This prolific plant adds stunning color to the Irish landscape each and every year. A Plant Of Many Names: Now this hill brightening plant bears many names throughout Ireland. I grew up calling it furze. In northern counties this landscape illuminator […]
Ireland – A Land of Trees In The Time Of Saint Patrick
Trees and forestry played both practical and spiritual roles in the lives of Irish people throughout the centuries. Today Ireland is home to some beautiful woods and forestry, but the number of trees pales in comparison to the vast numbers of living trees on the island before the 17th century. Emerald Heritage, a conservation business […]
Bidding Farewell – A Not-So-Simple Irish Ritual
Saying goodbye and departing a friend’s home may be a simple act in America, but in Ireland there is an unwritten code of honor that guides farewell rituals. There are superstitions that must be adhered to, or God forbid you may draw some form of ill fate upon your unsuspecting self. I always remember my […]
Irish Halloween Superstitions Foretelling Romance, Love And Marriage
Move over Valentine’s Day – Halloween is nearly here, and in olden days in Ireland, this was the time of year for predicting romances, just waiting to flourish. The Irish were, and still are, a very superstitious race. Since we will be celebrating Halloween at the end of this month (or all through this month, […]
What I Miss About Ireland: Robins
Robins remind me of Ireland. I remember gardening with my mother as a child, and being amazed by how tame robins appeared. They often followed us around the garden, pecking for worms and insects in the grass as we worked. Irish robins are much smaller than the American variety. I remember seeing an American robin […]
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