March is the month of fun for anyone who loves folklore. I myself enjoy the legends and lore. Take St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Picture Britain under the Romans during the 4th century. It’s at this time that sixteen year old Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He did eventually escape and return to his homeland but decided later to bring Christianity to the Emerald Isle. By the time he passed he’d succeeded in building monasteries, schools, churches, and spreading his religion.
History tells us that the future Saint used the shamrock to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity. Legend says he was the man who drove all of the snakes out of Ireland, chasing them into the sea after they had begun to attack him while he was in the midst of a forty day fast. Many people believe that the snakes are representative of the pagan religion that St. Patrick was trying to eradicate. Regardless, Ireland celebrates St. Patrick every year with special church services and feasts.
In the US, immigrants brought this special day with them and it became what we call St. Patrick’s Day, an excuse in my household to celebrate all things Irish, especially Corned Beef and Cabbage. YUM!!! Here’s a fun fact about the day of revelry and green beer. Blue was actually the color that was associated with St. Patrick. Eventually, green became the symbolic theme for the holiday and some cities, like Chicago, have even dyed their rivers green to mark the holiday. There are also tons of parades around the country. I myself enjoy the Irish dancers and the music.
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go. ~ An Irish Blessing
