The Quiet Man
I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by watching an all time favorite movie of mine, “The Quiet Man.” The movie is set in Ireland and celebrates both the positive and negative stereotypes of the Irish.
On the positive side there is a very positive sense of community presented throughout the movie. People know one another and largely care for one another. The Church is portrayed as a real positive force in the lives of people and the priests are portrayed as real, non-dysfunctional people.
On the negative side, the Irish are largely portrayed as quick-tempered, ready to fight, and big drinkers. I suppose you could add backward to some extent to the list as well.
I’ve seen the movie many times but before last nights viewing I decided to do some reading on the movie first. I gained a new understanding and a new appreciation of aspects of the film and film making in general.
As I was thinking about an appropriate way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I started to think that I am short on tradition in my life. I suppose this could be considered good or bad but I have decided I need more personal and or family traditions in my life. So tradition one is that I will watch, “The Quiet Man,” on St. Patrick’s Day. And now I am thinking about adding some meaningful traditions for other meaningful events.
Do you have any suggestions? Do you do the same thing on Easter or Mother’s Day or Arbor Day or Memorial Day? Does the activity increase the meaning of the day? Should it? Should people or groups of people contrive meaningful activities on days of the year (other than going to Church)? What are these things and what are their benefits?
Let’s see if I can come up with some suggestions…
On the Twins opening day, we will have a barbeque and watch the game outside in Twins fan gear.
On the first day of spring, I will hit a golf ball into or onto Holy Name Lake and make up a poem asking the ghost of Bobby Jones to make me a better golfer.
On April 1st, I will put Christmas lights on the house of at least one neighbor or friend.
On May 1st, I will reread the Communist Manifesto and reflect on whether unbridled capitalism is ruining the planet and subjecting the masses to indentured servitude.
On Memorial Day weekend, I will totally submerse myself in a lake in Minnesota and create a list of 10 things I will do over the summer – maybe five fun things and five projects.
So know you get the idea? Have any suggestions?
Tags: ireland, irish, the quiet man, traditions
