Ireland's National Tartan Colors

[JimB]

I wore my Ireland's national kilt to work today since it is a barbeque day and we were told we could wear anything we wanted to. One of my co-workers was asking about the colors of the tartan and asked if the green and saffron represented the Catholic and the Protestants. I started to say no, and then realized that the folks in Ulster use the term "orangemen". Then that had me wondering.
Do the colors really represent the catholics and Protestants?

This is not meant to be a political thing at all. I just want to know how to answer.

[Bob C.]

The green and the orange in the Irish Tricolor do, indeed, represent the Catholic and Protestant traditions of the country, with the white symbolizing unity between the two.

[Tattoo Bradley]

Like the old song "The Orange and the Green" (a good yin!)

[Dirk Skene]

More than likely the colors do mean just that. It would show a united Ireland. We Americans do not think much about faith differences. A lot of other folks do.

[cajunscot]

More than likely the colors do mean just that. It would show a united Ireland. We Americans do not think much about faith differences. A lot of other folks do.

They do mean that:

The green represents the older Gaelic tradition while the orange represents the supporters of William of Orange. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the 'Orange' and the 'Green'.

-- http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.as...194&docID=242*

*The taoiseach (pronounced "tea-shook", if I remember correctly) is the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic.

T.

[highlander_Daz]

Tea-shock

Ifyou go to an old firm match you will see celtic supporters waving tricolours and the rangers fans waveing Union flags, Celtic was founded by an Irish priest for Irish immigrants (mostly catholics) hence the strong Irish connection with the supporters, and the Rangers fans are sort of taunting the celtic fans by "reminding" them of the union of Britain and Norther Ireland.

Mods its not politics, but an insight into how flags are used in a modern context. Hope thats OK
Im not a catholic but I support Celtic (cos they are the best!!)

[JimB]

Is this a great site or what?
Thanks everyone!

[ccga3359]

They do mean that:



*The taoiseach (pronounced "tea-shook", if I remember correctly) is the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic.

T.

I didn't think that Republic of Ireland had a Prime Minister only a President.

[cajunscot]

I didn't think that Republic of Ireland had a Prime Minister only a President.

Nope. They have a President and a Prime Minister. The current President is Mary McAleese, while the current PM is Bertie Ahern.

T.

[ccga3359]

Nope. They have a President and a Prime Minister. The current President is Mary McAleese, while the current PM is Bertie Ahern.

T.

My appologies to the Right Honourably Ahern. I had assumed hat the Prime Minister had some connection to a monarchy.