No I’m Not Drunk…Yet

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, or if you like St Paddy’s Day, a holiday that is celebrated all over the world not just by the Irish. SoI thought it would be good to share some facts and info about this day associated with drunkenness, shamrocks, and shenanigans.

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was actually born in Britain to wealth parents in the fourth century. Around the age of 16 his family estate was attacked by Irish raiders and he was taken captive. They took him back to Ireland where he spent about 6 years in captivity. That is where he became a devout Christian. After being held prisoner for 6 years he escaped back to Britain where he had visions and heard voices that told him he should return the Ireland as a missionary. He began is religious training and after he was ordained was sent back to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity.

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 because it is the anniversary of his death and his feast day. The holiday has been observed by the Irish for over 1000 years.

The first St Patrick’s Day parade was actually held in New York in 1762. It was put on by Irish soldiers in the British army who wanted to reconnect with their Irish roots.

Even though this holiday is associated with drinking, in Ireland it is traditionally a religious holiday. Most Irish start the day by going to church. And up until the 1970’s it was Irish law that all pubs be closed for the day.

Chicago has had the annual tradition of dying the Chicago river green to celebrate the holiday since 1962. They initially used 100 pounds of vegetable dye but that amount has since been reduced to 40 pounds for environmental reasons.

The shamrock (originally called “seamroy” by the Celts) was a sacred plant. I symbolized springs rebirth.

The leprechauns was originally called “lobaircin” which translates to “small-bodied fellow”.

So there, I think that is enough. Now you know a little more than before about St Paddy’s day.

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