Proverbs have been a part of the Irish culture for centuries, and, even if your last name isn't O'Brien, telling them to your friends and family can be a fun way to celebrate ST PATRICK'S DAY in El Paso, Texas.

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Photo by Joao Tzanno on Unsplash
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Not unlike cholo slang rhymes, Irish proverbs are typically short, memorable sayings that are passed down from generation to generation, or, click to clicka, offering wisdom and advice on various aspects of life.

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Many of these proverbs are still used today and have become well-known around the world.

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Photo by Ann on Unsplash
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According to West Cork People, Irish proverbs are believed to have originated from the storytelling tradition of the Irish people.

"Irish proverbs provide us with a unique insight into the spirit of our ancestors, showing us that, while our everyday life now differs radically from theirs, the human dilemmas we face in life, love, work and death, to name but a few, are the same as they faced."

As the country was largely agricultural, the proverbs often relate to farming and the natural world. They were used as a way of passing down knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next.

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Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash
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Here are 15 examples of some great Irish proverbs from "The Book of Irish Proverbs" by Sean O'Faolain and "A little book of Gaelic proverbs" by W.A. Ross:

FYI: The Gaelic ones are crazy looking, but super fun trying to pronounce.

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Photo by Stéphan Valentin on Unsplash
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1. "If you want to know what God thinks of money, look at the people he gives it to." - This proverb highlights the idea that wealth doesn't necessarily equate to happiness or contentment.

2. "A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything." - This proverb emphasizes the importance of rest and relaxation.

3. "Ní neart go cur le chéile." - This proverb means "There is no strength without unity."

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Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
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4. "Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte." - This proverb means "Health is better than wealth."

5. "Tús maith, leath na hoibre." - This proverb means "A good start is half the work."

6. "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine." - This proverb means "People live in each other's shelter."

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Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
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7. "Ní thagann ciall roimh aois." - This proverb means "Wisdom doesn't come before age."

8. "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí." - This proverb means "Praise youth and it will prosper."

9. "Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad." - This proverb means "A light heart lives long."

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Photo by Johnny Cohen on Unsplash
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10. "Ní féidir an dubh a chur ina gheal ach amháin nuair a éiríonn an solas." - This proverb means "The darkness cannot be made light except by the light."

11. "Is fearr an t-ocras ná an tart." - This proverb means "Hunger is better than thirst."

12. "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí." - This proverb means "Praise youth and it will prosper."

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Photo by Theme Photos on Unsplash
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13. "Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón." - This proverb means "Many a time a man's mouth broke his nose."

14. "Ní hí an teanga do thíocht é, ach an bheatha." - This proverb means "It is not the language of arrival, but of life."

15. "Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir." - This proverb means "Time is a good storyteller."

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Photo by Yan Ming on Unsplash
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As you can probably already tell, Irish proverbs are an important part of the Irish culture, offering insight and wisdom that has been passed down through kin and clans.

They are simply inspiring AND a reminder of the country's rich history and earnest traditions, plus, they continue to be used in everyday life.

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Photo by Khara Woods on Unsplash
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So to impress your friends this St Patrick's Day, memorize a couple of these and show off your Irish pride.

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Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
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If you want to read some more Irish Proverbs check out these.

Let me know what your favorite proverb is at nico@klaq.com

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