The main cultural group from which my ancestral heritage comes is Irish-Scottish. These two nationalities are similar, but different. Ireland is an island off the west coast of Europe. Scotland is the land at the top end of the United Kingdom. They both have a similar and unique language called Gaelic. Religion is divided between Protestants and Catholics. They celebrate many of the same holidays and have many common traditions, cultures and values. I combine them as one in my family. Irish traditions are perhaps more well known than Scottish traditions, but here are a few. Some current American traditions date back to ancient Irish traditions, which are still practiced in Ireland: "Girl's Night Out", "Fat Tuesday", "Halloween", spring cleaning and even "tying the knot". Girls' night out takes place every year in Ireland on the eve of January 6 and is called "Little Women's Christmas." This is considered women's day off in Ireland, for cooking, cleaning and any household chores. Shrove Tuesday, known as Mardi Gras in Ireland, takes place on February 24. On the eve of Lent, pancakes are thickened and drizzled with lemon juice and sugar, then rolled up and eaten as a treat. Many pancakes are eaten due to the fasting period of Lent. Additionally, single girls were tested on their pancake-making skills, and the quality of the first pancake prepared was an indication of their romantic chances for the coming year. Most people know that Halloween is associated with “All Saints’ Eve” originating 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 in the middle of a paper......, God is above all to guide us and save us, our family and friends are also our strength. I would like to think that my culture makes me a better person; a better mother, sister, employee, friend and student. And because of this identity, I can strive to reach out to others to learn about them and their culture. If other people around the world did the same, prejudice and hatred would be non-existent. Works Cited by Robert Sullivan. Fun facts about Ireland.” Website. Publication of Irish Letters, 2011-2012. Web.13 February 2012. http://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/irish-culture.html “The official gateway to Scotland”. Website. Internet. February 15, 2012. http://www.scotland.org/culture/history-and-tradition/heroes-and-heroines/ “The enchanting kingdom of Scotland.” Website. Internet. February 13, 2012. http://www.scotlands-enchanting-kingdom.com/scottish-customs-and-traditions.html.