The kilt as we know it was invented by an Englishman in the late 18th century. The individual tartan patterns were actually invented in the 19th century by enterprising weavers. Yet today most people believe (and many sources will tell you) that Scots have worn tartans - each clan its own - forever. And kilts, of course. Harps were, in "good old Scotland", far more common and popular than bagpipes.
Yet these days, what is "typical" Scottish? Bagpipes, kilts, and tartans.
Traditions are rarely "original" in their present-day incarnation, no matter how much those who follow the traditions claim centuries-old folklore. I'm not surprised that a song written by an Englishman in America would end up being considered prototypical for an Irish holiday.
And I seriously wonder whether St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Ireland are anything like St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New York, London or Munich... ;)
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Harps were, in "good old Scotland", far more common and popular than bagpipes.
Yet these days, what is "typical" Scottish? Bagpipes, kilts, and tartans.
Traditions are rarely "original" in their present-day incarnation, no matter how much those who follow the traditions claim centuries-old folklore. I'm not surprised that a song written by an Englishman in America would end up being considered prototypical for an Irish holiday.
And I seriously wonder whether St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Ireland are anything like St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New York, London or Munich... ;)