Corned Beef + Shamrocks: How We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
As St. Patrick's Day lingers in the air today, I am excited to celebrate this holiday with my daughter and pass on some important traditions.
Growing up, my family always celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a big dinner of corned beef and cabbage, and I would dream up stories about our Irish ancestors who immigrated to the United States. Now, as a mother, I want to continue this tradition and teach my daughter about the importance of honoring our ancestors.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade in America was held in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British army. But during a time when other Americans were complaining about the new Irish immigrants taking all the jobs, the parade was more than just for celebration. It was to make a statement. One that said “we’re here, and we matter”. And I think that’s pretty fitting for the fire energy that accompanies Irish roots.
We are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and making our own statement by cooking traditional Irish foods together. Mojave loves to help me in the kitchen (and by help I mean pull everything out of the cabinets), so we will be making corned beef and cabbage which continues a generations-long tradition. As we cook, I will talk to Mojave about our family's Irish heritage and the role that food plays in Irish culture. Even if she isn’t old enough yet to fully grasp it, I know she’s picking it up. And she’s going to love when I let her use my green colored pencils to make shamrocks to hang on the fridge. She’s been itching to use my pencils for weeks now.
For me, celebrating St. Patrick's Day as a mother is a way to pass on tradition and teach my daughter about the importance of honoring our ancestors but also taking a stand when someone is needed to stand in the gap. By cooking traditional foods, and talking about our family's history, I hope to create lasting memories and help Mojave connect with her Irish side of her heritage.
How will you be celebrating today? Connect with us on social media and tell me!
Until next time, may the road rise up to meet you! ☘️
d+Mo
