Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’m wishing you and your loved ones a fun, loving and fun-loving day!
Admittedly, in our part of the country, this day is not always high on everyone’s list of holidays, but it’s definitely a fun one. And so just for fun, here are some St. Patrick’s Day facts.
This holiday, celebrated every March 17, is a religious feast day marking the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century. There is a great deal of folklore surrounding St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Ironically, although he is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures, the actual details of St. Patrick’s life remain a mystery. The famous account of his banishing all of the snakes from Ireland is false. (But it’s such a great story!) What we do know for sure is that St. Patrick helped Christianize Ireland.
The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for more than a thousand years, and many other countries have followed suit. There’s a saying that “everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,” and maybe that’s not too far off the mark. Irish-Americans are the second largest group in our country based on nationality or ancestry.
In fact, in the U.S., some 35 million Americans list their heritage as Irish—this is seven times the population of Ireland today! So little wonder that there will be parades throughout our country. The New York City parade is the largest, followed by Chicago and then Boston. You might be surprised to know that Savannah, Georgia’s parade is #4 on that list!
So today, take a cue from our Irish friends, and assume a lighter approach to life. Have some fun. Eat some corned beef and cabbage. Wear green. Dance a little, drink a little and be happy. Enjoy yourself and spread that joy around!
Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you! May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go!
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