The Mystery School
By Ortrun Franklin
The Luck of the Irish One evening, last month, the saying “The luck of the Irish” popped into my head. Hmm! That sounds like a great title for my next article.
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When I think of the Irish, a smile comes across my face because, fun and warmth comes to mind. I went to school with many Irish. My first love was Irish. Our school name St. Mary, Star of the Sea and our logo was the Celts. Plus, deep down, I have a feeling of the Celtic in my lineage.
Day or the sports teams the fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Boston Celtics.
You may have come across numerous sayings, lyrics and proverbs by the Irish. Some are humorous, some profound. Here are a few:
Edward T. O’Donnell, author of “1001 Things Everyone Should Know about Irish American History” says the saying became an expression in the 19th century. According to him, many famous and successful miners during the gold and silver rush years were Irish by birth. Luck became associated with them.
“May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.” “If you are Irish, YOU are Lucky enough.” “Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!” “A sunbeam to warm you, good luck to charm you; a sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you; Laughter to cheer you, faithful friends near; and whenever you pray, heaven to hear you.”
Yet, others believe the saying goes back to Ireland. You’re lucky just to visit Ireland. You are greeted by happy, hospitable people, ready to invite you in to chat and have a cup of tea. As you walk the lush thick forest with their magnificent trees, it’s as though the “Faery folk” are peaking out at you. The deep green grass draws you in, only to find you are lying in a bed of shamrocks. Maybe, you’ll be lucky enough to find a four leaf clover representing love, hope, faith and of course, luck. Or, maybe you’ll spot a leprechaun with his pot of gold.
Probably, the most well known saying is “The luck of the Irish.” Many believe that the saying is of American origin. It usually surrounds St. Patrick’s
Ireland.com states, “In Ireland, you find a story under every step, even the stones tell tales. Watch your feet! You could be tripping over a legend.”
Star StarNations NationsMagazine Magazine••January March 2020 • 23
