Whenever you think of a typical Irish-American family, your first thought is probably the Kennedy's. A big family from Massachusetts, no surprise there. In Boston, and even all around the country, there are many large Irish-American families similar to the Kennedy family. Although these families may not be political royalty, they can strongly relate to the same traditional Irish values.
Being raised in a big Irish family is truly a blessing. They are people who love endless and will fight (literally) for you every day. You are never alone when you are Irish because you always have your family. Every family may be different in their own unique ways, but there is no arguing that each family shares some very basic experiences and values of being an Irish-American:
1. St. Patrick’s Day is actually a big deal.
Everyone is dressed in green, Grandma calls everyone to wish them a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” and the family sits down to the traditional corn beef and cabbage meal each year. You may hold your nose when taking each bite, but for some reason, you still eat it. Maybe it’s because of the tradition, or maybe it’s because your parents make you. Either way, the house doesn’t smell too great for a few hours.
2. Religion and church are always important to your family, especially around holidays.
Most Irish families a religious. Church, especially, is an important part of the family dynamic. But it's even more important that every family member goes to church during holidays.
3. And holidays are not small endeavors.
And after church, everyone will show up to the dinner all nicely dressed and newly blessed.
4. Every girl owns a Claddagh ring.
This ring is a must-own for Irish women. It is a tradition that symbolizes loyalty (by the crown), friendship (by the hands), and love (by the heart). A girl will wear the ring so that the heart is facing upside down, symbolizing that her heart is not taken hence she is single. When the girl finds love, however, she will wear the ring so the heart's right side up to symbolize that her heart is taken.
5. Somewhere in the bloodline, you’re related to a redhead.
There may only be one or there may be multiple. Either way, there is no disagreeing that redheads are truly special. Sometimes they may fall victim to hair color jokes, but they truly are a beautiful rarity.
6. There’s an old Irish blessing hanging somewhere in yours or your grandma’s house.
Typical Irish family decor is hanging some plaque or picture containing an old Irish blessing. Or you may find some actual pictures of Ireland or Irish saints. Whichever the case may be, there is no hiding the obvious lineage.
7. Beer.
Irish people drink and mostly drink a lot of beer. There’s really not much more you can say on it, it’s just kind of a fact.
