St. Patrick is believed to have driven the snakes from Ireland. Once a pagan himself, St. Patrick is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint's feast day also thought to be the date of the saint's death. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766. Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St. Patrick's Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green.Although I have absolutely no Irish blood in me, I do appreciate the help they gave William Wallace knight and Scottish patriot who led a resistance to the English occupation of Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence back in the 13th century. Remember the movie Braveheart? Therefore, in honour of those whose ancestors were part of that war, I will wear something green on March 17, 2007.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
St Patricks!
ReplyDeleteI am part Irish-Scottish-French-
English, present day Australian...The Irish part of me wants to celebrate St Pat, the Scottish part wants to charge me money for it, the French bit of me wants a rebellion over it and the English part says how undignified you are Pam.
The Australian in me says, let every day be St Pats and dye the beer green. :)
Pam
and a happy o'paddy's to you, too, Sienna aka Pam. :D
ReplyDeleteLeslie, very interesting! If it doesn't rain tomorrow (sigh...) we're going to the parade.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Josie