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Archiver > FOLKLORE > 1998-06 > 0896931367


From: "Janice Walker" <>
Subject: [FOLKLORE-L] Irish Hospitality
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 22:36:07 -0500




'If you're Irish come into the parlour' goes the old song
and Irish hospitality to strangers, especially if they can
claim an Irish ancestor (and most people can) is well
known. Step over an Irish threshold on a social visit
and the kettle will go on, the biscuit tin will emerge and
if it's evening and you're particularly welcome, the
whiskey will be taken out. You will be offered at least
a 'cup of tea in your hand' meaning a casual cup of tea
rather than a more formal sitting down to a bread and
butter type of cup of tea.

The tradition of keeping open house to visitors goes back
to medieval times and one of the stories associated with
Grace O'Malley, the pirate queen, is that when she called
at the castle of Howth on her way back to her native Galway
and was refused entry she took offense, kidnapped the heir
to the estate and gave him back only on the understanding
that the gate would always stand open and a spare place be
laid at every meal. Brehon Law demanded that every village
keep a guest house ready for passing travellers and that they
be shown every hospitality.

Janice

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