The Diversifieds A publication of the EDRC at Grays Harbor College
Volume 2, Issue 6
March 2010
Oral Tradition and the Irish by Lucas Weaver One of the consequences of having Irish blood is our library of tales. Stories of fairies, the luck of shamrocks and leprechauns dawdling through the fields and beneath trees your grandfather, “just didn't remember being there before...” All these are commonplace at family gatherings, even more so on rainy days with a piping hot bowl of stew, made the way only grandmother could make it. These stories evolve over time, each listen yielding grandfather's battle of wits against the leprechaun a pinch more fruitful than the last.
March is...
That's the thing, with oral tradition. Over time, a single man can become a god, and gods can become nothing but taradiddle. Let us address the stories surrounding our familiar little friends, the leprechauns. You've heard the tales, sprightly little men with red hair and bright bushy beards in little green coats and gold buckled shoes. Commonly seen prancing about in meadows or near their favorite well. The leprechaun has become a characteristic figure in St. Patrick's Day celebrations and decoration despite their ambiguity.
Awareness Dates: 1 Hola Muhalla (Sikh) 2 Citizenship to Puerto Ricans (US) 2-20 Baha’i Fast (Baha’i) 3 Doll Festival (Japan) 4 Crispus Attucks Day (US) 6 Independence Day (Ghana) 8 Commonwealth Day (Canada) 8 Int’l Women’s Day 11 Restoration of Statehood Day (Lithuania) 12 Sun Yat-sen’s Death (China) 14 Mothering Sunday (United Kingdom) 14 New Year (Sikh) 15 National Day (Hungary) 16 Bikarami Samvat (Hindu) 16 Chetra Navratras begins (Hindu) 16 Ugadi (Hindu) 17 St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland) 19 Feast of St. Joseph (Roman Catholic) 20 Ostara (Pagan & Wiccan) 20 Chichen Itza Festival (Mexico) 20 Now Rouz (Afghanistan & Iran) 20 Independence Day (Tunisia) 21 Naw Ruz (Baha’i & Zoroastrian) 21 Int’l Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (U.N.) 21 Benito Pablo Juarez’s Birthday (Mexico) 21 Youth Day (Tunisia) 22 Arab League Day (Lebanon) 22 Emancipation Day (Puerto Rico) 22 Human Rights Day (South Africa) 22 Vernal Equinox Day (Japan) 23 Republic Day (Pakistan) 24 Ramanavami (Hindu) 25 The Annunciation (Christian) 25 Independence Day (Greece) 26 Birthday of Zarathushtra (Zoroastrian) 26 National Day (Bangladesh) 28 Mahavir Jayanti (Jain) 28 Palm Sunday (Christian) 30 Passover begins (Jewish)
Where does this fellow come from? Let us take a moment to look at another holiday observed by those with Irish heritage, Lughnasadh. A place to feast, compete with one another and display feats of strength, Lughnasadh was the 'festival of Lugh'. That is to say, Lugh Lamfada, the god of all knowledge to the ancient Irish. It is said that Lugh created the holiday in remembrance of his mother, Tailtiu, who worked herself to exhaustion and death to clear the plains of Ireland for agriculture. Lughnasadh is still celebrated today, and the memory of Lugh persists. But his true glory as the champion of the battle on the field of towers, the greatest of the gods and patron of the arts and crafts has not always been intact. As the old holidays were being forgotten and the oral traditions lost, Lugh's mighty name began to recede. Soon, even as the very language he was remembered with had died, he lived on, but he was no more than the fairy craftsman hiding in the sidhe, Lugh-cromain. Lugh-cromain had been brought to humble position by the ebb and flow of time and glory, even the name of Lugh-cromain was distorted. It became nothing more than LepreEDRC Meetings chaun. This St. Patrick's Day, and all month as March 4th & 18th—1:00 PM we remember and share our Irish heritage and EDRC Foyer remember the efforts of Saint Patrick, he who Anyone interested in volunteering or drove the snakes from Ireland, raise your glass learning more about the EDRC is welcome to Lugh. Tell the tale of how Lugh 42nd Street spawned leprechauns and join the Spring Musical ‐ Bishop Center oral tradition of the Irish—whether your blood flows green or not. March 5‐7 & 12‐14
Campus Happenings
Desdemona March 9th—2:00‐4:00 PM Room #2250 Sponsored by the Diversity Committee
The Diversifieds are a publication of the EDRC of Grays Harbor College. The mission of the EDRC is to promote awareness, respect, and equitable treatment of the diverse individuals and groups that exist within our campus and surrounding communities. The EDRC is open to all! Please come visit us in the 200 building.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Gerald Hermanson, Ph.D. March 10th—2:00‐4:00 PM Room #2250 Sponsored by the Human Services Club
Safe Space Training March 11th—3:00‐5:30 PM RSVP by 3/9 with John R. 538‐4068
• Irish American Heritage Month • National Women’s History Month • International Expect Success Month