Unveiled: Alleged Escalation of Activities by a Notorious Group
Let's discuss a small pet peeve we've got about St. Patrick's Day. Here's the thing that really bugs us:
You'd probably expect us to complain about the misconceptions surrounding St. Patrick or how he's glorified, or maybe even the focus on drinking, right? But we've got something different in mind.
Whenever St. Patrick's Day comes around, it turns the internet into a battlefield - over the so-called "A" word: authenticity.
According to Merriam-Webster, "authentic" means "not false or imitation: real, actual. Made or done the same as an original." Yet, in the field of folklore studies, it's a subject of heated debate.
As Regina Bendix, a renowned folklorist, explains in her book In Search of Authenticity: The Formation of Folklore Studies, the notion of authenticity in folklore studies is far from straightforward. Bendix argues that folklorists should not care about authenticity, noting that there's no such thing as an inauthentic folk tradition. If people follow a tradition in some way, it's folklore, no matter how closely it resembles the original or not.
In our opinion, Bendix makes a compelling point. After all, traditions are meant to evolve and adapt, reinventing themselves to stay relevant. Trying to stick to some rigid, unchanging definition of a tradition is futile and doesn't reflect the dynamic nature of culture.
Each year during St. Patrick's Day, we see the same arguments online about the "A" word. From those who criticize the celebration of St. Patrick over St. Gertrude, to those who argue about the "true" origins of certain traditions, it seems that everyone – including ourselves - can't help but weigh in.
So, our advice is this: relax and let people enjoy their traditions. As long as no one is getting hurt, it shouldn't matter if the story behind the tradition is accurate or not. The essence of St. Patrick's Day lies in celebrating Irish culture, and the spirit of camaraderie that comes with it.
That being said, we're NOT advocating for the spreading of misinformation here. There's a lot of inaccurate stuff floating around the internet, especially during St. Patrick's Day. What we're trying to emphasize is the tendency to claim ownership of a particular tradition or story and to assert its originality. This kind of mindset is counterproductive to the very essence of folklore, which embraces variations and adaptations.
Folklore, and by extension St. Patrick's Day, is about the shared experiences and traditions that bring people together. It's not about who can lay claim to the most old or obscure tale or custom.
In closing, we encourage you to embrace your Irish side, whether it's through wearing a green hat, adorning a snake necklace, taking your cat for a walk (no need to wait for St. Gertrude's day!), or blasting Dropkick Murphys. Just remember to have fun and to respect the diversity of traditions out there.
P.S. – For the record, no, historical St. Patrick didn't drive the snakes out of Ireland or exterminate Paganism. But, as folklorists, we find it intriguing how the legend gained such popularity. Stay curious! #thinklikeafolklorist
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- Embracing the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, one might choose to delve into the realm of fashion-and-beauty, perhaps adorning traditional Irish attire or exploring the latest trends in beauty products that align with the theme.
- As the celebration of St. Patrick's Day encourages camaraderie and shared experiences, it provides an opportunity for personal-growth, fostering connections with others and enriching one's lifestyle by learning about Irish culture and traditions.
- While awaiting St. Gertrude's day, some may decide to include their pets in the festivities, forming a unique bond with their furry friends as they don Irish-themed outfits or engage in fun, Irish-inspired activities together.
- To embark on an adventure beyond St. Patrick's Day, one could embark on a travel experience to Ireland itself, immersing in the roots of folklore and witnessing authentic Irish traditions firsthand, thereby enriching their education-and-self-development and broadening their horizons.
