Subscribe Menu

Eesti go bragh

Shameless, the slender one knows, to steal from the Irish. But what a wonderful people, patriotic, and musically – well, how can one not be uplifted by their folk music? The world knows Erin go bragh, an anglicization of Éirinn go Brách. A patriotic expression, translated as "Ireland Forever." Estonians do not quite have the same expression, or at least one that can be put into three words. Five perhaps: “Mu Isamaa on minu arm” (My Fatherland is my love). Penned by the immortal Emajõe Nightingale, poetess Lydia Koidula.
Lydia Koidula
Curiously, at least musically Estonians and the denizens of the Emerald Isle have much in common. While the national character is different - the Irish are much more outgoing, sociable, ready to crack wise, Estonians are more phlegmatic, serious there are similarities, cultural and historical bonds. Both people love singing. And some love tippling. Is it any wonder that Irish pubs cropped up in Estonia as soon as it was possible to establish such? (Read more: Estonian Life No. 13 2021 paber- and PDF/digi) Otepää Slim, Toronto

Become a subscriber to continue reading!

Every week we bring you news from the community and exclusive columns. We're relying on your support to keep going and invite you to subscribe.

Starting from $2.30 per week.

Go to Subscription Plans