Peelers and arranged marriages
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (341719)
Rockingham, Australia
June 5, 2024 7:46am CST
I’ve been reading a book by Peig Sayers. It’s her autobiography, entitled 'Peig', and translated into English from Gaelic by Bryan MacMahon. Peig was born in 1873. She was born on the Dingle Peninsula but spent forty years on barren Great Blasket Island. She was a great traditional storyteller and died in 1953.
Life was very hard and survival itself was a triumph. What interested me was that some marriages in that area were ‘arranged’. Peig’s brother, whom she adored, brought home a likely young suitor and, rather than go back into service, Peig took her brother’s advice and married the young man within a few days. Seven weddings were held on the same day.
I was guessing at the meaning of the word ‘peelers’ which occurs pretty often in the book. It was the regional name for the police of the time, so named after Sir Robert Peel, who at the time was Home Secretary. This uniformed organisation was founded in 1829 under the direction of Peel.
The view is from Connor Pass on the way to Dingle. Can you see the white stone walls way down below?
16 people like this
15 responses
@LadyDuck (471968)
• Switzerland
5 Jun
I never heard the term Peelers used for the police, I think every place has specific words for the police. In France they call the female agents of the traffic police "Aubergine", because of the colour of their uniform and the round top hat, like the top of an eggplant.
I can see the white stone walls in the photo.
2 people like this
@jobelbojel (35987)
• Philippines
6 Jun
I have not heard of peelers. Sounds like a good book to read.
The photo is majestic. I like looking at photos like this.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
5 Jun
When you mentioned the walls I could find them
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@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
5 Jun
@JudyEv Looking at the picture without knowing it could just be the land
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@snowy22315 (181948)
• United States
5 Jun
Yes, I see them How did it go? The marriage I mean.
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@JudyEv (341719)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Jun
How 'bout that? I've never heard the term before. She was a great exponent and believer in the Irish language.
@Marilynda1225 (83064)
• United States
5 Jun
Yes I can see the white stone walls in the picture. That sounds like a very interesting book. It's interesting that the police would be called Peelers. I guess arranged marriages were more common back in those days.
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@JudyEv (341719)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Jun
My son knows some words and is trying to become more acquainted with it as he lives there now.
@LindaOHio (181177)
• United States
5 Jun
I can see the white walls. I've never heard the term Peelers. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (87855)
• Bangalore, India
6 Jun
Arranged marriages are still prevalent here in our culture. Well, that's the first time I have heard 'peeler' being used for police. Intersting! I assumed it to be something like vegetable peeler .
I can spot those white stone walls. It's a gorgeous picture .
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@RebeccasFarm (90295)
• Arvada, Colorado
5 Jun
Gosh I love this beautiful view Judy!!
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