This week, America is busting at the seams with Celtic pride, and who can blame us? The Irish culture is a beautiful one and the people are enchantingly unique. So while we are indulging in corned beef dinners and embracing our heritage at Celtic Festivals, let us remember and celebrate everything that makes us proud to be Irish.

1. The Music

There is too much credit to be given here, from "Danny Boy" and "The Parting Glass" to “The Rocky Road to Dublin” and “Will Ye Go, Lassie Go?” The Irish whistle will make your heart melt, and if not, a band of bagpipes surely will. Top-shelf groups like Celtic Thunder and Celtic Woman pay homage to the traditional music of their culture. There’s truly nothing compared to the music of Ireland.

2. The Land

Is it even possible to put words to this?

3. The Storytelling

Whether they are giving you a good laugh with a witty craic or passing down ancient folklore, their passion for storytelling shines vibrantly through literature, poetry, song and place.

4. The Proverbs

5. The Graciousness

The peoples’ hospitality, humbleness and loving nature are just a few of the abundance of gracious qualities that the Irish embody. If you ever study abroad there, I suggest you stay with a host family so that you can experience this proud tradition first-hand.

6. The Love

Home, family, the land and each other – what the Irish love and cherish are values that they have taught us never to take for granted.

7. The Art and Architecture

Not only is the Celtic style of crosses and knots an ancient tradition, it’s also just plain cool.

And don’t even get me started on these castles.

8. The Language

Visually and audibly breathtaking, the Irish language, also known as Gaelic, has been evolving in Ireland for the past two millennia, and remained the spoken language there until the 19th century. Luckily, it has experienced a revival after its suppression a few centuries ago, and it is commonly taught and used along with English.

8. The Food

Bangers and Mash, Boxties and the Irish Soda Bread from your immigrant great-grandmother’s recipes – the taste of home and comfort was never so scrumptious.

This list does not do the Irish culture justice. It’s the tip of the iceberg that is this ancient and exquiset heritage. I hope that this St. Patrick’s Day, whether you are Irish or not, you bleed green, white and orange in celebration of the great country, Ireland. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!