Wednesday, March 17, 2010

VTT - The Wearing of the Green



HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

We associate the wearing of green with St. Patrick's Day. Historically, the color green was used as a symbol of Irish patriotism and of sympathy for Irish independence. The song "The Wearing of the Green" is about the repression around the time of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Wearing the green was prohibited at that time and was punishable. Many versions of the song lyrics exist. Here is one version (source: Triskelle)

"O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that's going round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish gound!
No more Saint Patrick's Day we'll keep, his colour can't be seen
For there's a cruel law against the Wearing of the Green."

I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand,
And he said, "How's poor old Ireland, and how does she stand?"
"She's the most distressful country that ever yet was seen,
For they're hanging men and women there for Wearing of the Green."

"So if the colour we must wear be England's cruel red
Let it remind us of the blood that Irishmen have shed;
And pull the shamrock from your hat, and trow it on the sod
But never fear, it will take root there, though underfoot 'tis trod.

When laws can stop the blades of grass from growing as they grow
And whem the leaves in summer time their colour dare not show,
Then I will change the colour too I wear in my caubeen;
But till that day, please God, I'll stick to the Wearing of the Green."


My thingies this week are potholder versions of green wearables. First is a pair of crocheted potholder dresses.



Next is an "Overall Sam" applique potholder. Overall Sam is the male counterpart to Sunbonnet Sue. Both Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Sam have sun hats hiding their heads. Sue is usually shown in a side view, while Sam is often shown in a rear view.





I'm participating in Vintage Thingie Thursday



20 comments:

  1. Wonderfully happy post, Postcardy! Hope you're out enjoying the holiday!

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  2. That is a cute post for today and VTT. I love the little crochet things.

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  3. Very cute post card. Happy St Patty's Day and Happy VTT!

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  4. I have given you a "Sunshine Award" and linked to your blog in my latest post at the http://vintagepostcardsrevisited.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-received-sunshine-award-i-need-some.html. You can pick up your award there.

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  5. I loved the little crocheted dresses..and of course,I loved Sam.
    I think Sunbonnet Sue and Sam are my favorites of all time..I just love them. Happy VTT..have a wonderful weekend.

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  6. Thanks so much for sharing, I never knew where the tradition of wearing green came from! Nice to learn something new. Happy St. Patty's and VTT to ye!

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  7. Happy VTT! Love the postcard ... Can't wait to see what you put up for PFF:)

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  8. Such cute things! I especially love the potholder dresses. Never knew about the wearing of the green tradition. Thanks for the informative post!

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  9. The crocheted potholders are sooo cute! And in wonderful condition.

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  10. Just love the Irish music and the all things green and Irish on the UTube. Now, I really like the crochet dress potholders. I've been looking for the pattern. Did you make those? They are really cute!

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  11. Love the little crochet dresses!
    Happy St. Pat's Day, and VTT!

    Debbie

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  12. I love that postcard...,and the music. Nice St. Patrick's Day/Vintage Thursday post.

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  13. I love love love those potholders and always want to make things like that and never do. I think I should try. I love to crochet and theres so many cute things to do! I would love to post that I made them LOL

    Happy VTT
    Tracy

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  14. Love those crocheted potholders!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  15. I never knew that about green, that is was punishable at one time to wear it! Love the postcard.

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  16. The crocheted potholders grabbed my attention! I'm going to have to find the pattern and make some for myself.

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  17. I love the crochet holders, those are so charming....I have seen Sam before, but this is too cute...you just need the Sue!! Have a great VTT!

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  18. Super cute potholders! Thanks for sharing :)

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  19. Thanks for the "green" refresher course. I sometimes forget that part of Irish history.

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