1. IRISH TRADITIONS Our customs and traditions are one way we express who we are. By this staging project students get familiar with the following Irish traditions: 1.Wedding traditions 2.Easter traditions 3.Christmas traditions 4.St Patrick Day traditions

2. IRISH WEDDING TRADITIONS

3. The wedding ceremony in modern western traditions tends to have more in common from one nation to another than there are differences. Even most of the prevalent customs such as the brides white dress, rings, wedding cake, flowers and attendants as well as the feast and pranks played on the couple as they make their final exit are pretty much universal. Every ethnic group has its own peculiar customs and variations but if we were to drop in on a wedding in a strange land where we did not know the language, be it Lebanon, Finland, Argentina or the remotest and most Gaelic island of the any of the Celtic nations, we would probably have a pretty good idea of what was going on. The wedding ceremony in modern western traditions tends to have more in common from one nation to another than there are differences. Even most of the prevalent customs such as the brides white dress, rings, wedding cake, flowers and attendants as well as the feast and pranks played on the couple as they make their final exit are pretty much universal. Every ethnic group has its own peculiar customs and variations but if we were to drop in on a wedding in a strange land where we did not know the language, be it Lebanon, Finland, Argentina or the remotest and most Gaelic island of the any of the Celtic nations, we would probably have a pretty good idea of what was going on. Pairwork: Describe a typical Estonian wedding. Pairwork: Describe a typical Estonian wedding.

4. Pairwork: What do you know about Irish wedding traditions? There are usually many proverbs about wedding traditions in different countries. Read the following proverbs and fill in the missing words.

5. It is unlucky to marry on a …………. A …….. should always be the first to wish joy to the bride, never a woman It was lucky to hear a ……. on the wedding morning, or to see three magpies To meet a funeral on the road meant bad luck and if there was a funeral procession planned for that day, the wedding party always took a …… road The wedding party should always take the ……. road home from the church It was … luck if a glass or cup were broken on the wedding day A bride and groom should never wash their hands in the same sink at the same timeit's courting ……..if they do It was said to be …… if you married during a 'growing moon and a flowing tide' When leaving the church, someone must throw an old …… over the bride's head so she will have good luck If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding ….. on the bride's head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life.

6. Read the text Check your answers at: http://www.ireland-information.com/irishweddingtraditions.htm Pairwork: Read the following text and compare ….

7. The Irish Claddagh Ring An Irish bride's wedding ring is called a Claddagh ring. It is a heart held by two hands with the heart topped by a crown. The hands represent faith, the crown symbolizes honor, and the heart signifies love. The rings motto is: Let love and friendship reign. The Irish Claddagh Ring An Irish bride's wedding ring is called a Claddagh ring. It is a heart held by two hands with the heart topped by a crown. The hands represent faith, the crown symbolizes honor, and the heart signifies love. The rings motto is: Let love and friendship reign. If a woman wears a Claddagh Ring on her right hand with the heart facing outward toward the end of her finger she is signifying that she is a single woman, free to see whomever she desires. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, toward the womans knuckle, then she is signifying that she is engaged. If a woman wears a Claddagh Ring on her right hand with the heart facing outward toward the end of her finger she is signifying that she is a single woman, free to see whomever she desires. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, toward the womans knuckle, then she is signifying that she is engaged. And finally, if a Claddagh Ring is worn on the left hand it means that the woman is married. And finally, if a Claddagh Ring is worn on the left hand it means that the woman is married. (Read more about the ring on: (Read more about the ring on: http://www.potgold.com/claddagh. htm http://www.potgold.com/claddagh. htm http://www.potgold.com/claddagh. htm http://www.potgold.com/claddagh. htm

8. Wedding Day Traditions in Ireland An old Irish tradition calls for the wedding couple to walk to the church together before exchanging their wedding vows. As they walk down the main street to the chapel, onlookers would not only throw rice to bless the marriage, but larger items as well, such as pots and pans. The traditional Irish bride often wears a blue wedding dress, rather than a white dress. This is because blue symbolized purity in ancient times. It wasnt until the year 1499 that a white wedding dress began to symbolize virginity and purity. English lavender, an ancient symbol of love, loyalty, devotion and even luck is often mixed with the brides wedding flowers to help insure a happy and long-lasting union Another tradition is for the bride to braid her hair for her wedding day. Braided hair is an ancient symbol of feminine power and luck. Another symbol of luck is to be married on St. Patrick's Day, considered the luckiest wedding anniversary date in Ireland.

9. Easter Traditions in Ireland

10. How much do we know? Brainstorming : Brainstorming : -students are asked to give as many words as possible related to Easter holiday -students are asked to give as many words as possible related to Easter holiday Group work: Group work: -students discuss about the religious significance of this holiday -students discuss about the religious significance of this holiday -Students give reasons for waiting Easter -Students give reasons for waiting Easter

11. Discover the Irish Easter Students brainstorm ideas about Easter in other countries Students find more information about the Irish Easter by accessing the Internet Students report their classmates the results of their search In groups students choose their own way visualize the Irish traditions related to Easter Holiday or they may write a poem suggestive of the Irish spirit in this period

12. www.gaelsong.com www.gaelsong.com www.gaelsong.com http://www.iol.ie/~marist/halo/haloe aster.htm http://www.iol.ie/~marist/halo/haloe aster.htm http://www.iol.ie/~marist/halo/haloe aster.htm http://www.iol.ie/~marist/halo/haloe aster.htm Students read the information and in groups they choose what topic they want to discuss and compare to their traditions(eg.Easter drinks food,decorations,preparations) Students read the information and in groups they choose what topic they want to discuss and compare to their traditions(eg.Easter drinks food,decorations,preparations)

13. CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND

14. Read the following text and answer the questions: Read the following text and answer the questions: 1)Which is the most popular Christmas carol ? 2)What does thelightning of candles symbolize? 2)What does the lightning of candles symbolize? 3)What is the traditional Christmas dinner in Ireland?

15. Irish Christmas traditions are similar to those found in many western countries: the basic Christmas rituals, such as gift-giving, attending Mass, and decorating trees, are shared by Irish Christmas traditions are similar to those found in many western countries: the basic Christmas rituals, such as gift-giving, attending Mass, and decorating trees, are shared by most nations where Christmas is celebrated. But Ireland does have its unique Christmas rituals, as we'll discover below. most nations where Christmas is celebrated. But Ireland does have its unique Christmas rituals, as we'll discover below. Twelve Days of Christmas Twelve Days of Christmas Because it is still quite a religious country - Catholicism being the most prevalent - Irish traditions reflect this more than the increasingly secular customs of North America. The popular Christmas carol, Twelve Days of Christmas is a remnant from the time when Catholicism was illegal and the gifts listed in the song are hidden references to Catholic dogma. It was used as a memory exercise for those who were secret adherents to Catholicism. Because it is still quite a religious country - Catholicism being the most prevalent - Irish traditions reflect this more than the increasingly secular customs of North America. The popular Christmas carol, Twelve Days of Christmas is a remnant from the time when Catholicism was illegal and the gifts listed in the song are hidden references to Catholic dogma. It was used as a memory exercise for those who were secret adherents to Catholicism.Twelve Days of ChristmasTwelve Days of Christmas

16. Lighting Candles Lighting Candles The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance. Some people would light candles (or one large candle) to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors. The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance. Some people would light candles (or one large candle) to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors. Christmas Dinner Christmas Dinner Christmas dinners in Ireland usually consist of the standard fare; turkey, a ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Among the more traditional Irish elements are spiced beef (spiced over several days, cooked, and then pressed) which can be served either hot or cold. The traditional dessert is usually composed of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce. Christmas dinners in Ireland usually consist of the standard fare; turkey, a ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Among the more traditional Irish elements are spiced beef (spiced over several days, cooked, and then pressed) which can be served either hot or cold. The traditional dessert is usually composed of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce. Pair work: Describe a typical Irish Christmas Day. Pair work: Describe a typical Irish Christmas Day.

17. Complete the following sentences with the right words: The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was an symbol of ………to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter. The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practised today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was an symbol of ………to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter. A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the ………… member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'. After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with ……………… and ………, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left ………….. so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome For more information you should read the following texts: http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/christmas%20traditions%20Irish.htm

18. Do you know some holiday when people use to wear specific costumes and what are these? Do you know some holiday when people use to wear specific costumes and what are these? Do you happen to know what their traditional costumes and symbols characterize these holidays? Do you know why people celebrate S. Patricks Day? Do you happen to know what their traditional costumes and symbols characterize these holidays? Do you know why people celebrate S. Patricks Day?

19. St. Patrick was a Christian ______ credited with the conversion of Ireland from _________.He lived from the late 4th century A.D. to the mid 5th century A.D., so long ago that it's difficult to separate fact from _________. St. Patrick was ______ in either Scotland or Wales, the son of Roman parents living in Britain. When he was about fifteen or sixteen, he was________ and enslaved by an Irish chieftain during a raiding party across the sea. He spent several years ________ in Ireland, herding and tending sheep and swine. It was during his________ that St. Patrick dedicated his life to God. Legend has it that St. Patrick escaped captivity and Ireland after a dream in which God _______ him to journey to the Irish coast where he found a ship that returned him to his family. After years of religious study, he became a ________. In a document attributed to him known as "The Confession", St. Patrick heard the voice of the Irish in his dreams, "crying to thee, come hither and walk with us once more." Eventually, Pope Clemens commissioned St. Patrick as bishop to preach the _______________ to the Celtic people. Arriving back in Ireland, he commenced an incredible mission, travelling across the country, preaching and ____________, ordaining priests and bishops, erecting churches and establishing places of learning and ________, despite constant ______ to his life. It has been said that he and his _________ were responsible for _________ almost all the population of Ireland to Christianity. Converting worship baptizing instructed captivity born legend missionary St. Patrick was a Christian ______ credited with the conversion of Ireland from _________.He lived from the late 4th century A.D. to the mid 5th century A.D., so long ago that it's difficult to separate fact from _________. St. Patrick was ______ in either Scotland or Wales, the son of Roman parents living in Britain. When he was about fifteen or sixteen, he was________ and enslaved by an Irish chieftain during a raiding party across the sea. He spent several years ________ in Ireland, herding and tending sheep and swine. It was during his________ that St. Patrick dedicated his life to God. Legend has it that St. Patrick escaped captivity and Ireland after a dream in which God _______ him to journey to the Irish coast where he found a ship that returned him to his family. After years of religious study, he became a ________. In a document attributed to him known as "The Confession", St. Patrick heard the voice of the Irish in his dreams, "crying to thee, come hither and walk with us once more." Eventually, Pope Clemens commissioned St. Patrick as bishop to preach the _______________ to the Celtic people. Arriving back in Ireland, he commenced an incredible mission, travelling across the country, preaching and ____________, ordaining priests and bishops, erecting churches and establishing places of learning and ________, despite constant ______ to his life. It has been said that he and his _________ were responsible for _________ almost all the population of Ireland to Christianity. Converting worship baptizing instructed captivity born legend missionary Paganism captured priest threats converting enslaved disciples Paganism captured priest threats converting enslaved disciples Fill in the blanks:

20. http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.ht Change impressions about S. Patricks holiday Change impressions about S. Patricks holiday

21. Draw a poster or a leaflet to advertise the main events taking place in St. Patrick week Draw a poster or a leaflet to advertise the main events taking place in St. Patrick week