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rowanfI really didn't mean to wear green today. I put out a black & red outfit last night but decided this morning I didn't want a waistband and my only clean dress was green. I didn't give it a moment's thought, not remembering the date.
My sixth great grandmother, Ann Gregg, was born in Ardmore, Waterford Co., Eire in 1670. In another line, my sixth great grandfather, John Allen, was born in Ballyhagen, Eire in 1694. Both were Quakers. Another ancestor, my fifth great grandfather Josiah Ferguson was born in Belfast. He was probably a protestant as there was some expectation from linen mills amongst some of my great-aunts, I hear.
My most recent immigrant ancestor came to this continent in the mid-1700's, many came in the 1600's. I have ancestors from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. But also from France, Sweden, Germany and the Alsace (France or Germany depending on the year). As much as I'd like to have an ethnic identity, and as much as the Highland Games and my Clan Ferguson Society membership meant to me as a young person... I'm just not a hyphenated American.
My mother sometimes encouraged us to wear orange on this day in my childhood. And yet, St. Patrick's Day and all the Irish music is a strong part of my culture. I dyed my hair green one year, probably 1970 or 71, to go to a Clancy Brother's concert. My mother was so freaked out that no pictures exist. I had a green velvet suit with tall green velvet platforms. I'm sure the pictures would be quite embarrassing... but I wish I had them anyway.
Identity is so tricksy sometimes. Not only am I not Irish and not Catholic, I'm a Pagan. One of those "snakes" that Patrick is said to have cast from the Emerald Isle. I really didn't mean to wear green today. Except maybe in Second Life. Where the parties are an awful lot of fun. :-) And identity is very fluid.
My sixth great grandmother, Ann Gregg, was born in Ardmore, Waterford Co., Eire in 1670. In another line, my sixth great grandfather, John Allen, was born in Ballyhagen, Eire in 1694. Both were Quakers. Another ancestor, my fifth great grandfather Josiah Ferguson was born in Belfast. He was probably a protestant as there was some expectation from linen mills amongst some of my great-aunts, I hear.
My most recent immigrant ancestor came to this continent in the mid-1700's, many came in the 1600's. I have ancestors from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. But also from France, Sweden, Germany and the Alsace (France or Germany depending on the year). As much as I'd like to have an ethnic identity, and as much as the Highland Games and my Clan Ferguson Society membership meant to me as a young person... I'm just not a hyphenated American.
My mother sometimes encouraged us to wear orange on this day in my childhood. And yet, St. Patrick's Day and all the Irish music is a strong part of my culture. I dyed my hair green one year, probably 1970 or 71, to go to a Clancy Brother's concert. My mother was so freaked out that no pictures exist. I had a green velvet suit with tall green velvet platforms. I'm sure the pictures would be quite embarrassing... but I wish I had them anyway.
Identity is so tricksy sometimes. Not only am I not Irish and not Catholic, I'm a Pagan. One of those "snakes" that Patrick is said to have cast from the Emerald Isle. I really didn't mean to wear green today. Except maybe in Second Life. Where the parties are an awful lot of fun. :-) And identity is very fluid.
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no subject
Date: 2009-03-17 07:44 pm (UTC)I adore emerald-y, forest-y greens, but my closet has so little of it.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-18 12:51 am (UTC)Love you in green
Date: 2009-03-18 03:35 am (UTC)Happy Return of the Snakes Day!
I made a donation to a group out there that rescues and rehabs snakes and other reptiles. My little joke in honor of the day.