An Irish evening was held at Elm Park Village where the choir sang Irish songs and there were also stories and legends shared about the country.
Val Thornton, the choir director said the day was to mark St Patrick as he was a very colourful character, “Also there are so many Irish people living at the village and we thought it was a lovely way to celebrate with everyone,” she said.
Thornton added that it was important that such Irish traditions continued as Ireland had such a rich folklore which should be passed on to future generations.
Irish folklore is said to be rich in tales of fairies, leprechauns, the banshee and other supernatural beings. The shamrock and Blarney Stone are also part of Irish legends.
On the evening, Thornton talked about what made the shamrock (a clover-like plant with three-lobed leaves) so special.
She explained that it was used as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity – The father, the son and the holy spirit. She also showed the audience a shillelagh, which the Irish use as a walking stick or as a weapon.
Matron of the village, Hanlie Eksteen said Thornton’s dedication to the choir showed in their singing.
“Everything she [Thornton] does, she does with passion and every year just seems to get better. The message brought here today was about spirituality and I did not know that was what the day is about.”
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