Luck of the Irish
History proves that the Irish have luck on their side
“Luck of the Irish” is the expression used to mean extreme good fortune. So are the Irish really lucky? It turns out that the term is more American than anything. In fact, an Associate Professor of History at Holy Cross College explains that during the second half of the 19th century, the most successful miners were Irish, so the expression originated with the association of mining fortunes with these people. In addition, he adds that there was “a tone of derision “as if to say, only by sheer luck, as opposed to brains, could these fools succeed."
According to other theories, the so called “luck of the Irish” goes back to Irish emigration to the U.S, where they fled to escape famine and had to struggle to succeed in a foreign land. The Irish people that prospered were seen by some Americans as “only lucky”, not because their hard work and dedication. In addition, there are people who view the Irish as individuals born with luck on their side since they demonstrate resilience when they are able to survive under extremely difficult circumstances when others succumb to despair and tragedy.
If we look at Ireland’s history everything started with Maewyn Succat, born in Britain in the year 387 . When he was fourteen he was captured and taken to Ireland, a land of Druids and Pagans. At the age of 20, he escaped from his captors after receiving a message from God in a dream urging him to leave Ireland by going to the coast. This man, best known as St. Patrick, eventually went back to Ireland, preaching the Gospel, converting thousands and building churches across the country. Therefore, he became the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland, being able to convert entire kingdoms to Christianity. So how did this devoted man bring luck to the Irish?
Irish soldiers who fought in the British army began wearing the shamrock, three-leaf clover, on their uniform to receive luck from St. Patrick, because he made sure that God was on their side. Every year on the 17 of March, the Irish people celebrate St. Patrick’s day.
So are the Irish truly lucky? Make up your own mind, after all it depends at how you look at it. In truth, they are patriotic, religious, and hard working individuals that are loved all over the world!
Sources:
http://www.theemeraldisle.org/irish-sayings/luck-of-the-irish.htm
http://mentalfloss.com/article/30236/luck-irish-old-mining-expression
Maria Luisa Cepeda
History proves that the Irish have luck on their side
“Luck of the Irish” is the expression used to mean extreme good fortune. So are the Irish really lucky? It turns out that the term is more American than anything. In fact, an Associate Professor of History at Holy Cross College explains that during the second half of the 19th century, the most successful miners were Irish, so the expression originated with the association of mining fortunes with these people. In addition, he adds that there was “a tone of derision “as if to say, only by sheer luck, as opposed to brains, could these fools succeed."
According to other theories, the so called “luck of the Irish” goes back to Irish emigration to the U.S, where they fled to escape famine and had to struggle to succeed in a foreign land. The Irish people that prospered were seen by some Americans as “only lucky”, not because their hard work and dedication. In addition, there are people who view the Irish as individuals born with luck on their side since they demonstrate resilience when they are able to survive under extremely difficult circumstances when others succumb to despair and tragedy.
If we look at Ireland’s history everything started with Maewyn Succat, born in Britain in the year 387 . When he was fourteen he was captured and taken to Ireland, a land of Druids and Pagans. At the age of 20, he escaped from his captors after receiving a message from God in a dream urging him to leave Ireland by going to the coast. This man, best known as St. Patrick, eventually went back to Ireland, preaching the Gospel, converting thousands and building churches across the country. Therefore, he became the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland, being able to convert entire kingdoms to Christianity. So how did this devoted man bring luck to the Irish?
Irish soldiers who fought in the British army began wearing the shamrock, three-leaf clover, on their uniform to receive luck from St. Patrick, because he made sure that God was on their side. Every year on the 17 of March, the Irish people celebrate St. Patrick’s day.
So are the Irish truly lucky? Make up your own mind, after all it depends at how you look at it. In truth, they are patriotic, religious, and hard working individuals that are loved all over the world!
Sources:
http://www.theemeraldisle.org/irish-sayings/luck-of-the-irish.htm
http://mentalfloss.com/article/30236/luck-irish-old-mining-expression
Maria Luisa Cepeda