What do we all know about St. Patricks Day? Wear green or be pinched, that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, time to drink green beer, the St. Patricks Day Parade, lots of decorations including shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold. So, whats the real story behind all this? First of all, according to zoologists, there were no snakes in Ireland. Second, there is no real reason for green beer, except to sell more beer. However, the fun reason is: once upon a time a leprechaun was walking by a nearby stream and had to relieve himself. He chose to do it in the stream. It just so happens that the stream was by a nearby Guinness brewery, the rest is history. Third, the St. Patricks Day Parade promotes a reconnecting with Irish roots. It is said to be the oldest parade in history, which started March 17th; 1762 in New York City. As far as the decorations are concerned, the use of shamrocks can be traced to the Trinity. Supposedly, Patrick was trying to convert the Irish to Catholicism and the best way he could explain the Trinity (The Father, The Son, The Holy Ghost) is by showing a shamrock. Three leaves make up one shamrock in the same way that the Trinity is three parts of one. Leprechauns are magical beings from the Emerald Isle (Irelands nickname) and pots of gold are what Leprechauns covet, therefore; are fair game for use in decorations on this popular holiday. Oh, as far as why people are pinched for NOT wearing green: It turns out that Leprechauns LOVE pinching people who do not wear green on St. Patricks Day. So the reason all non-Leprechauns do it, is to remind everyone that they are in danger of a Leprechaun pinch. Hmmm...sounds like the warning is as bad as the consequence. By the way, its a tradition that started in America. Now, remember if someone mistakenly pinches you for not wearing green, the consequence is 10 pinches in return. Maybe black and blue should be the national color for the day AFTER St. Paddys Day. Heres more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:44:12 +0000
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