It’s Not Easy Being Green, Even If You’re Irish!
According to the 1980 Census, how many Americans claimed Irish ancestry?
(a) 2 Million
(b) 5 Million
(c) 43 Million
(d) 12 Million
The answer to this might explain why St. Patrick’s Day is so popular. In Seattle, people come out in droves and pack shoulder to shoulder into every restaurant, bar and event even remotely Irish. My great grandfather, a Sweeney he was, emigrated to America from Ireland. I think that makes me Irish. In grade school I thought that because I was Irish I didn’t need to be wearin’ o’ the green to be safe from painful pinching. Wrong! After that I made sure I put on the green.
My husband, Larry thinks he is Irish too, just because an ancestor of his called Patrick Cragun participated in the Boston Tea Party. He claims to be more Irish than me! Larry once traveled through England, Ireland and Scotland. Partly because of trying to figure out his heritage he became intriqued with the Cragun Coat of Arms. He sent for one from Ireland, one from England and one from Scotland. They were all exactly the same, except one had dogs, one had geese and one had pheasants! See below.
If you answered (c) 43 million people, you were correct and you never have to be amazed by how many people are out celebrating on St. Paddy’s Day! Or Night!
St.Patrick’s Day – The Irish Festival at Seattle Center has music, workshops, films, art and more Sat. Sun & Monday. For more info www.irishclub.org or www.seattlecenter.com
March 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Aye, you’re right, I am “part” Irish!
However, I am the hodge podge my daddy used to call “Heinz 57″.
No matter, Yes I am Irish! At least today I am……..
March 17th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Yep, you and 43 million other people! Actually that was in 1980> It must be at least 86 Million now>