In pre-Christian Ireland, the spring celebration on May 1 was called Bealtaine. Household fires were extinguished several days before the feast and people were forbidden to rekindle them until Druid priests lit a ceremonial bonfire on the Hill of Tara, stronghold of the High King. When Christianity supplanted pagan customs a new spring celebration was introduced: Easter, … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Lent and Easter: The Fast and the Feast
March April 1995
May June 1995
March April 1995
The Irish of Dubuque, Iowa
By Lyn Jerde
March/April 1995
They didn't all settle in the big cities on the East Coast. Many Irish immigrants headed for the frontier, where cheap land and mining jobs awaited them. The January 14, 1841, edi- tion of the Philadelphia Catholic Herald includes this letter from Charles Corkery, one of Dubuque, Iowa's first Irish settlers: "My sole desire is to direct the attention of Catholics (Irish … [Read more...] about The Irish of Dubuque, Iowa
The First Word: Times to Remember
This year Irish America celebrates its tenth year. And it seems somehow fitting that the magazine, whose motto Mortas Cine stands for Pride in our Heritage, should be celebrating such a happy occasion in the same year that marks the 150th anniversary of the Famine. For this magazine, especially this special Top 100 issue, pays tribute to the success of the Irish in America. … [Read more...] about The First Word: Times to Remember