St Patricks Day - Fun Facts
Did you know the following about St Patricks Day?....Irish legend credits St Patrick with the Celtic Cross. It is believed he combined the pagan sun god (the circle) with a traditional Christian cross to create a Celtic cross In 1678, half the population of the Caribbean Island of Montserrat were Irish! It is the only other country outside Ireland that has a national holiday on the 17th March, St Patricks Day although St Patricks day is a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador Montserrat in the West Indies is nicknamed the 'Emerald Isle of the Caribbean'. Some say this is due to its coastline resembling that of Ireland but this is more likely due to the fact that thousands of Irish Slaves were sent to the island in the 1600's Each year the Island of Montserrat hosts a week long St Patrick's Day festival to celebrate its history and Irish heritage The term 'Plastic Paddy' is often used to describe the Irish Diaspora and used particularly in England to describe someone who claims to be Irish because of their ancestral connection to Ireland but was not born or brought up in Ireland Every year, the Chicago river is dyed green especially for St Patricks day. This tradition began in 1962 and green vegetable dye is used to obtain the green color The first ever St Patricks day parade took place in New York in 1762 by Irish soldiers serving in the British army Wearing of the Green is a popular term used on St Patricks day and refers to the tradition of an Irish person wearing shamrocks. St Patricks day badges were introduced in the early 20th century and are still worn by the Irish Diaspora all over the world on the 17th March The flag of the Canadian province Montreal includes a Shamrock in the bottom right hand corner, St Patricks day parades have been held in Montreal since 1824! The songs "It's a Great Day for the Irish" and "The Wearing of the Green" are traditional St Patricks day anthems Saint Patrick used the three leaved Shamrock to explain the trinity to the pagan people of Ireland, the father, son and holy spirit It is believed that Croagh Patrick Mountain in County Mayo (Cruach Phádraig) is named after St Patrick. Legend tells us that Patrick climbed Croagh Patrick and fasted on the top of it for the forty days of Lent. Each year, thousands of pilgrims climb to the top on the last Sunday in July It is believed that Saint Patrick killed a large snake in Lough Derg, County Donegal and its blood
turned the water red. Every year during August, pilgrims spend three days fasting and praying on Lough Derg
St Patricks Day - Christianity
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and his life is truly inspirational. He was born in England in the fourth century and is credited with introducing Christianity to Ireland as well as driving out the snakes! St Patrick is believed to be buried in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland and his feast day is celebrated worldwide, with parades and festivals taking place as far away as Australia and New Zealand. Irish Christians are required to attend mass on St Patricks day which commemorates the date of his death.
St Patricks Day - Food and Drink
St Patricks day is celebrated on the 17th March, and falls during the Christian period of lent. For this special day, normal Lenten restrictions are lifted, the Irish can enjoy food and alcohol for this single day of lent! A traditional Irish St Patricks day breakfast should include Sausages, rashers of bacon, white pudding, black pudding, fried eggs, fresh mushrooms and tomatoes. Breakfast is usually accompanied with toast or for a really traditional breakfast, brown wheaten bread or Irish potato bread is served. Click on the following link for more St Patricks Day Recipes.
St Patricks Day - Toasts
A selection of traditional Gaelic and English quotes are perfect for St Patricks day greetings, status updates and toasts, impress your friends and family with one of the following Irish toasts:
'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!' - Happy St. Patricks Day! "Faol saol agat, gob fliuch, agus bás in Éirinn." - Long life to you, a wet mouth, and may you die in Ireland. "Erin Go Bragh." - Ireland Forever "If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough"
- St Patricks day Quote
"Here's to our wives and girlfriends: May they never meet!"
- St Patricks day Toast
"May the enemies of Ireland never eat bread nor drink whiskey, but be afflicted with itching without the benefit of scratching"
- St Patricks day Toast
"Here's to me, and here's to you. And here's to love and laughter. I'll be true as long as you. And not one moment after."
- St Patricks Day Toast Find Saint Patrick's Day sheet music to print instantly at Virtual Sheet Music ®
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