Getting Set for St. Patty

For those of you who like to honor St. Patrick, or have a love for all things Celtic, “52 Weeks of Peace” / Week 29 is for you!

Yep, it’s just about a week away ~ the day of dance and drink, and the traditional feasting of Irish bacon and cabbage, all to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint and apostle of Ireland.

Saint Pat was actually born in Roman Britain (way back in the fifth century), but apparently was kidnapped at 16 and brought to Ireland to work as a slave. (I did not know this!)  He escaped (phew!), but returned to Ireland in later years, bringing Christianity with him, appealing to both the Roman Catholics and the Irish Protestants of the land. (No small feat in Ireland… so I’m guessing he must have been charming, as well as devout.) In the process, he also elevated the status of the shamrock, by using its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

After nearly thirty years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461. Patrick has endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity.

And a little trivia (courtesy of Wikipedia):

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Dublin on March 17, 1783.

The biggest celebrations outside Dublin are in Downpatrick, County Down, where Saint Patrick is rumoured to be buried. In 2004, the week-long St. Patrick’s Festival had more than 2,000 participants among 82 floats, bands, and performers and was watched by more than 30,000 people.

The shortest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs. :  )

So there you have it. And as they say, “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”