Feeling A wee bit Irish today? Even if you aren't, go ahead and indulge but make sure to be wearing some green cause if not you'll get pinched! Ouch! LOL!
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland was born in Roman Britian in the 5th century to a church deacon and his wife. At 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. He was able to escape after God spoke to him in a dream
and he returned to England where he became a priest. In 432 he returned to Ireland this time as a bishop to save the Irish people.
In his church teachings, it is believed he used the shamrock to teach the holy trinity...the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to the Irish people. The wearing of the green came about came about as the result of the 1798 rebellion where the Irish army wore full green uniforms on March 17th hoping to make a statement. In fact the color blue was most associated with St. Patrick until that time.
As for feasting on corned beef and drinking green beer, it has served as a one day break during lent, the 40 day period of fasting. St Patricks Day is never celebrated during Holy Week. In fact, the last time its observance date was moved, was in 2008. This occurance will not happen again to 2160 so I think we are all safe to continue to relic and frolic on March 17th!
So....May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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