TRANSPLANTED IRISH INSTITUTIONS - University of Canterbury

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In Auckland on St Patrick's Day, 1883, approximately 2,500 school children marched in
procession. There were three bands that accompanied them playing in turns along the
route. A newspaper reported-
The procession was very imposing as it passed along the streets with banners Oying, musIc
playing, the light coloured and seasonable dresses, the green sashes, and the almost interminable
line of young people in holiday attire. The girls in white dresses, white hoods, and green sashes
were conspicuous for their neatness and uniformity of dress. 17
The Orange parade had the colour orange as an integral component of their
march and the Hibernians had the colour green, which has been argued as being the
'national' colour of Ireland.
This identification with Ireland was deliberate by the
Hibernians who clung to an Irish Catholic heritage. This was best illustrated by the regalia
worn by the Hibernians who had green sashes with gold trim and tassels.
The most
prominent emblem was the Celtic cross that was seen as a symbol of Irish Catholic
Christianity. On these sashes the various officers in the Hibernians had symbols that
represented their office such as crossed keys, a symbol of the papacy, representing the
treasurer. There were no other emblems or degrees apart from the already mentioned
functional officers such as president, secretary and treasurer, because the Hibernians were
not a 'secret' society with different levels or degrees. The banners noted in the newspaper
reports probably displayed the stylized picture of St Patrick complete with mitre and bishop
robes. This distinctive emblem of the Hibernians symbolised their links with Ireland and
the Catholic Church. This symbol was known more to them than anyone else but the Celtic
cross would have transmitted a clear message to those watching.
The infonnal and festive nature of St Patrick's Day parades contrasted with the
very fonnal and even ritualistic nature of Orange parades. Although both groups had other
activities apart from the parade to partake in such as banquets, concerts or sports days where
the members could socialize, it was the parades that made an impact with their message.
The Orange Lodges marched for a variety of reasons already mentioned but primarily it
was to celebrate the Protestant Ascendancy while the Hibernians marched to celebrate their
17NewZealandHerald, 19 March 1883.