The Wearing o' the Green in the Ireland o' the East

In honor o' Saint Patrick and me Irish grandpappy, this blog'll wear the green 'til Saturday morn.

Here are some similarities between Ireland and Korea, from a slightly modified two-year-old post entitled "The Irish of Asia":

1. Both countries are divided between the north and the south.

2. Both countries have been dominated by an imperial island nation to the east, populated by people known for their etiquette and restraint.

3. Both oppressor nations (England and Japan) tried to eradicate the language and culture of the dominated peoples.

4. Both the Irish and Koreans tend to be down-to-earth, emotional, and can sometimes be perceived to be rude.

5. Both peoples have an elaborate clan system.

6. Both peoples love song, dance, and liquor.

7. And finally, as an inside joke for those who know some Korean; Korea (Hanguk - 韓國) is the country of han (恨), or the "Land of Ire."

Other essential reading for the day is The Irish Soldiers of Mexico, the story of the San Patricios, an Irish battalion that deserted to the Mexican side in Mr. Polk's War in order to defend Catholicism.