St Patrick and The Luck of The Irish

St Patrick was neither Irish or lucky.

He was a Roman Brit of about sixteen years, Patrick was not his original name.

That was kidnapped and taken to Ireland.

He escaped and went to Europe, later he became a Catholic Priest.

Then then had a dream that he should return to Ireland.

At that time Ireland was mostly Gaelic Pagan.

He converted them to Christianity and used the an Irish clover,

known as a shamrock to teach them about the trinity, (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

There is a legend that states he drove all the venemous snakes out of Ireland into the sea.

There are no known poisonous snakes in Ireland so it has an element of truth.

The wearing of the green is thought to have started with men pinning shamrocks to their lapels,

and then the wearing of green uniforms. This is also thought to be the result,

of Ireland being know as the emerald isle.

Previously a blue colour known as St Patrick blue was the color for that day.

St Patrick’s day was mainly a religious feast day that was celebrated after lent.

The traditional dish was bacon and cabbage, now corned beef and cabbage.

Another well known dish is irish stew made with lamb (mutton).

This is celebrated on March 17th the anniversary of his death in the fifth century.

This is mostly a secular event today that is celebrated in many places around the world.

In Chicago they dye their river green, many pubs serve green beer.

and there are parades and festivals on that day.

The leprechan is a fairy that is from celtic roots and is reported to have a pot of Gold

and legend has it if you catch one he will grant you 3 wishes.

The luck of the Irish is really an oxymoron that means their luck is mostly bad.

This idea is thought to have come from the fact that the Irish were known to be poor.

particularily after the potatoe famine.

In spite of these hardships the irish are known for their optimism.

My Dad born on March 17th was an Irish Canadian and believed in luck.

He loved to go to the race track and bet on the horses and always thought one day he would be rich.

He had a poster on his wall that said the harder I work the richer I get.

And ironically he also believed that.

If an irish man were to meet you on the road he might say, “the top of the morning to you”.

and your reply should be,” and the rest of the day to yourself.

HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY!