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I was curious about this, too, because Mother wouold say that of our heritage. I Googled it...Google Maps Most of what is mentioned there is called myth, theory, and legend. Some say, "It is thought that...." Doesn't leave much that seems solid, does it.
I have studied Irish history for probably half a century at this point, and for an article in pop media it presented a very, very good summary in a short article.
I did a project in college mapping the physical types of the Irish based on a study done in the late 20's as I remember by American anthropologists from Harvard. They had gotten a lot of cooperation from the RC church, so they were able to recruit particpants at the church doors on Sundays in many cases.
I compared the physical types with the traditrional mythological cycles of invasion, and, came up with little that would match with modern Irish physical types. Not surprising.
However, there was in the study a higher concentration of very dark haired, hazel-eyed or brown-eyed, and slightly darker people in large pockets throughout the western sea board counties.
My father was called "black Irish," by other people of Irish descent, and in a town with many Sicilian immigrants, many of them thought he was a Sicilian or Italian. He had black hair, hazel eyes with a striking amount of yellow streaks in them, and was dark-skinned. However, he did outdoor work all year round, and the darkness was highly exaggerated by his exposure to the weather, undressed the normally clothed parts of his body were quite fair.
I believe that the article touches on it somewhat. In the U.S., "Black Irish" refers to the Irish that arrived during or just after the Potato Famine. The Irish already here were called "Lace Curtain Irish".
Mom always said we are part "Black Dutch" and now I read this. I googled "Black Dutch" once and more than one website suggested that it is a type of "German." I'm not convinced and still curious about what it really is, if indeed it does exist.
"Making Irish crocheted lace became a popular means for the poor to extend their income when the potato crop failed. Young girls imitated needle-stitched Venetian lace to produce fine crocheted Irish lace which found its way into high society, including the court of Queen Victoria . Certain areas in Ireland became famous for their lace production." ~ Guide4Home, Remodeling, Interior Decorating, Appliances and more
I believe that the article touches on it somewhat. In the U.S., "Black Irish" refers to the Irish that arrived during or just after the Potato Famine. The Irish already here were called "Lace Curtain Irish".
I don't think many if any came over before then. The term "lace curtain Irish" is a pejorative referring to people who put on pretenses despite being of humble means. The Irish would supposedly put lace curtains on the front windows of their shacks.
"Black Irish" just refers to those with dark hair and brown eyes versus the more Celtic looking green eyed redheads.
The Black Irish are descended from mystical, nature spirits that could morph into seals. I like that story best.
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