Feile or Feis (pronounced "fey-LUH" and "fesh," respectively) — Literally, "feile" means "festival" in Gaelic and "feis" refers specifically to step dancing contests, a skill traditionally learned by children of the Emerald Isle. Traditional step dancers keep their arms eerily still while the feet take intricate steps. One leg/files/storyimages/says this originated under English rule and the suppression of Irish culture. The rationale was: dance, but keep your arms still, and when Brits look in the window they won’t see that you’re breaking the law. Check out step dancers from the McClanahan School of Irish Dance in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sat., March 11, 3 p.m. The parade begins at Baxter Avenue and Broadway.
Craic (pronounced "crack") — Ask your buddies, "How’s the craic?" (be careful that surrounding policemen don’t get the wrong idea). It doesn’t have a literal English translation, but can be used as a noun for a fun person, a great pub atmosphere or general good times. You may have seen it around town on Irish Rover t-shirts and bumper stickers in the phrase "Ol, Ceol, Bia Agus Craic," or "Beer, music, food and fun."
Clarsach/Clairseach (pronounced "KLAR-shuk") — Leprechauns aren’t the only ones with fabled powers: Harpists (almost always women) were believed to be near magical and given high status by medieval Irish lords and chieftains. Celts enjoyed the harp, a national symbol of Ireland, as early as the 7th century but its popularity waned until a revival in the 20th century. Next time you’re drinking a Harp Lager, raise your glass to the Clarsach and the old Celtic leg/files/storyimages/of the keys to a happy home: a virtuous wife, a chair cushion and a harp.
-Katie Brown
