The primary cultural group from which my ancestral heritage comes is Irish-Scottish. These two nationalities are similar, but different. Ireland is an island off the western coast of Europe. Scotland is the land in the highest part of the United Kingdom. They both have a similar language that is unique, called Gaelic. Religion is divided between Protestant and Catholic. They celebrate many of the same holidays and have many common traditions, cultures and values. I unite them as if they were the same thing in my family. Irish traditions may be better known than Scottish ones, but here are a few. Some current American traditions can be traced back to ancient Irish traditions, which are still currently practiced in Ireland: "Girl's Night Out", "Fat Tuesday", "Halloween", spring cleaning and even "knot". Girls' night out takes place in Ireland every year on the eve of January 6th and is called “Little Women's Christmas”. This is considered the day off for women in Ireland, from cooking, cleaning and any domestic work. Shrove Tuesday, known as Shrove Tuesday in Ireland, falls on February 24th. On the eve of Lent the pancakes are made thick and sprinkled with lemon juice and sugar, then rolled up and eaten as a dessert. Many pancakes are eaten, due to the fasting period of Lent. Additionally, unmarried daughters were tested on their pancake-making skills, and the quality of the first pancake was an indication of her romantic chances for the coming year. Many people know that Halloween is associated with "All Hallows' Eve" which evolved from the Catholic Church. But, before the Catholic Church recognized this holiday, the Celtic tradition celebrated the eve by trying to scare away evil spirits through dark and unwanted houses, and m...... middle of paper......, God is first we do everything for guidance and salvation, even our family and friends are our strength. I would like to think that my culture makes me a better person; a better mother, sister, employee, friend and student. And with this identity I can strive to reach out to others to learn about them and their culture. If other people in the world did the same, prejudice and hatred would be non-existent. Works Cited Robert Sullivan. Curiosities about Ireland”. Website. Irish Letters Publishing, 2011-2012. Web.13 February 2012. http://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/irish-culture.html“The official gateway to Scotland”. Website. Network. 15 February 2012. http://www.scotland.org/culture/history-and-tradition/heroes-and-heroines/“The enchanting kingdom of Scotland”. Website. Network. 13 February 2012.http://www.scotlands-enchanting-kingdom.com/scottish-customs-and-traditions.html.