So I had to find out more about Irish twins. I wanted to know how it originated. So as with all things Google it didn't take long until I found it's origin. It's as I thought. The term originated in bout the 1850's and was a derogatory term used to refer to Irish immigrants who had many children.
What I also found is that there are Irish triplets. That means that there are three births within two years. For I minute I almost thought I was an Irish triplet , but not quite. I was born late Oct. 1939. My brother was born early Oct. 1940. My sister was born early Jan. 1942. So I was two years and two months old when she was born. My brother was 1 year and 3 months old. So my Mom had three kids and the oldest was 2 years and two months old. Not quite Irish triplets!
This "birthday" post is very interesting. I bet it was fun at times to be the same age as your brother. My mom always wanted twins. one born on December 31 and one born January 1. Twins a year apart. I wonder what that is called.
ReplyDeleteWell, off you go to Google and find out. I'd say your Mom was really into family planning.
DeleteThe same class with 3 would have been fun.
ReplyDeleteThis school went from gr. one to nine.
DeleteThese are great photographs. I haven't any old images of myself. I'm a little bit jealous.
ReplyDeleteMy wife doesn't have any child hood photos. It must have been an English thing!
DeleteI had never heard of the term either, how interesting. And talking of interesting, that photograph is spectacular. Old photographs are always so rich in social history, aren't they? That single photograph contain a chapters' worth.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get the more I get out of this one. Time is at a stand still!
DeleteOh Red I love this phrase Irish twins and now Irish triplets. You all look so happy to be at school:) B
ReplyDeleteRecess was awesome! I was the only one in my grade so I was always top of my class!!!
DeleteI had never heard about the name too and even triplets! Those poor mothers to be pregnant all the time! Things have changed for the better for many of us.
ReplyDeleteMy mother did all this with no running water.
DeleteI've never heard of Irish triplets. You're probably correct that the term Irish twins was a derogatory term, but around here it's used a little more affectionately.
ReplyDeleteThe origin may have been derogatory but it's use is positive today.
DeleteThat is most interesting history and especially Irish Triplets - you almost made it to that Red. This was most interesting.
ReplyDeleteI was afraid for a minute when I read the definition and then thought again and realized I wasn't a triplet!
DeleteI would call it close enough, my goodness your Mom had three in diapers at once..what a woman:)
ReplyDeleteIt was close. And Mom didn't have running water. Your child hood pictures remind me of my experiences.
Deletewhat a sweet photo! bless those mothers with kids all packed together in age...
ReplyDeleteThere must have been days when they thought they'd lose their mind!
DeleteInteresting! I can't imagine 3 in diapers at once. Love the old photo. What a treasure.
ReplyDeleteMom had no running water and didn't have much help.
DeleteWhat a great photo! I didn't realize that the term "Irish twins" could be derogatory. I meant it as a positive term--that's how I've heard it used. Thanks for researching it.
ReplyDeleteThe origin was derogatory but today it's positive and humorous. Thanks for dropping it in the comments. Many people found it a very interesting term.
DeleteI love looking at vintage pictures and this one of you and your classmates is a wonderful picture.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Wow ! To be classified as vintage!!! Yes , those pictures were taken in 1948.
DeleteA family near us had "irish triplets" except it was a single daughter in January and twin daughters the following December. They were all in my class in school. (There were three other kids in the family, too!)
ReplyDeleteTwins are a challenge but when they're close to other siblings it must be hairy.
DeleteI love how you continue to educate, Red! I would never have known!
ReplyDeleteI suspected that the term might be derogatory, but I had never heard it before. Your mother certainly had her hands full for several years, it seems. :-)
ReplyDeleteRed I absolutely adore this photo, all of you are so sweet and I honestly can't even fathom having children as close as you three are, how amazing to be so close together.
ReplyDeleteMy husbands Mom had nine children. My hubby the oldest.
ReplyDeleteSeven boys and three sisters.
Parents have passed on but all siblings still alive and my hubby is the oldest at 74. He lived in Holland.
I like reading your blogs of way back and pictures. I have pictures of me and my hubby has of him .
A delightful photo!
ReplyDeleteAll three of you in the same classroom! That must have been fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great photo with all three of you. What a treasure.
ReplyDelete