# data[].attributes.body
Irish culture is one of the most commonly known cultures that people think of. Irish culture is all over the world but there is a very big population located in Ireland. In America, the most populated city is Boston, Massachusetts. The language of this culture is Gaelic but only 3% of the Irish population speaks this. 60 to 80 million people around the world have ancestors that have passed down the Irish genetics. This culture was influenced by a Viking and English traveler, Anglo-Norman. The country, New England, which Ireland falls under was taken over by Celts and Gaels so the language eventually expanded over the land. Even though through the years anytime there was trouble going to Ireland they fled and found another place to stay. This is one of the more interesting cultures but there are still things people don't know about it.

# data[].attributes.body
Three of the most common holidays in Irish culture aren't celebrated like other cultures, or they aren't celebrated at all. Lughnasa is a celebration that starts the Sunday closest to August 1 and declares the start of harvest. Many people celebrate this holiday with dancing, bonfires, and reunions of family and friends. Another tradition they have is St. Stephen's Day.  This is the day after Christmas that celebrates St. Stephen. The reason they have this day is because Stephens day is the day after Christmas and is for the Christian saint Stephen. He died on December 26 while giving service to the poor and needy. A holiday that they made is St. Patrick's Day. This day is to praise the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland and “freed Ireland from snakes '. This is a week-long celebration with parties, gatherings, and food. This culture has had different holidays spread to other countries and influence other celebrations.

# data[].attributes.body
A religion that most of the Irish culture practices is Roman Catholic. Some practice others but the most common is Roman Catholic. Nearly ⅘ of the population practices Roman Catholicism. There is a very small percentage that practices another religion or that doesn't practice anything at all. The Irish culture is mostly Roman Catholic because back in the 1600s many Irish rulers traveled to Catholic countries and eventually became associated with the Catholic culture. Over the past thousand years, catholicism has been practiced and has been spreading throughout the world. The other religions that Irish people practice include the church of Ireland, no religion, or very few practice another religion. These different religions have expanded over the years and are expected to widen more in the future. To summarize this, being Roman Catholic is a big part of Irish culture.

# data[].attributes.body
This culture has more foods than the U.S. makes. Foods like bread, soups, and different meats are different common foods that are eaten. Famous foods in Irish culture are mostly stews and breads, and some even incorporate Guinness beer. Irish soda bread is one of the more famous dishes. This bread is in every bakery in Ireland and is commonly served with soups, as a sandwich, or with some butter. A Christmas food that many Irish people have is mince pies. After midnight mass on Christmas Eve, these would be served while waiting for St. Nick. Many people also have whiskey eggnog, Guinness cake, and a roasted turkey for a Christmas meal. In this culture, they eat a lot of soups and stews. A commonly eaten soup is the Irish Stew. This contains different types of veggies and lamb, sometimes replaced with beef. Another dish that is eaten is shepherd's pie, which is made with ground beef, or lamb, vegetables, rich gravy, and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and is baked.

# data[].attributes.body
This culture is very popular and can be seen all around the world. Not only did the Irish create St. Patrick's Day but they also created Christmas. This culture can be seen in almost everyone's life at some point because of its popularity. Because of how this religion has affected people every day more and more people convert to Roman catholic. Most people also eat foods that come from Irish culture and they don't realize it. Eating different breads and stews comes from this culture and has affected many countries. Irish culture is important and has a big impact on people's lives and they don't realize it. This is one of the most interesting cultures that has many holidays, folktales, and foods that can tell different stories and lessons.

# data[].attributes.body
Familysearch.org, 2023,https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/irish-culture-and-traditions. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.

“Country Information.” UNHCR Ireland, help.unhcr.org/ireland/living-in-ireland/ireland-information/#:~:text=The%20island%20of%20Ireland%20 is

“Ireland’s Sacred Celtic Holidays.” IrishCentral.com, 30 Apr. 2020, www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/irelands-celtic-holidays

“St Patrick's Day Events in Ireland | Discovering Ireland.” Www.discovering ireland.com, www.discoveringireland.com/st-patricks-day-events-in-ireland/#:~:text=St%20Patrick

Scroope, Chara. “Irish Culture - Religion.” Cultural Atlas, 2016,

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/faq

Kay, Sean, and Ronan Fanning. “Ireland - Ethnic Groups, Language, and Religion.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 5 June 2019, www.britannica.com/place/Ireland/Ethnic-groups-language-and-religion

“The Ten Best Irish Christmas Food and Drink Treats.” IrishCentral.com, 17 Dec. 2019, www.irishcentral.com/culture/food-drink/best-irish-christmas-food-drink

Shepherd's Pie Recipe. “The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie - the Wholesome Dish.” The Wholesome Dish, 20 May 2019, www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-shepherds-pie/