"Happy St. Patrick's Day!"

Here are some fun facts about the day for you!

St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland

It is said that St. Patrick was born in Scotland in about 387 AD. His name at birth was Maewyn Succat. He escaped six years later and fled to Gaul. After several years of monastic life, he returned to Ireland in 432 AD as a missionary to the people there. It is said that he drove all of the snakes out of the country. He used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity; hence its strong association with his day and name. Patrick traveled widely baptizing, confirming, preaching and building churches, schools and monasteries. He succeeded in converting almost the entire population of Ireland. Pope Celestine gave him the name St. Patrick. His mission in Ireland lasted almost 30 years. St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 AD in Saul, Downpatrick Ireland. That is why St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17. The tradition of St. Patrick's Day came to America in 1737.

The Shamrock

In the 5th century, the Ancient High Kings of Ireland were shown the mystery of the Holy Trinity by St. Patrick's use of the shamrock. The 3 leaves represent the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as one. Most see the shamrock as a symbol of luck today. It is worn world wide on St. Patrick's Day to show the Spirit of the Irish.

The Legend of the Leprechaun

Lobaircin is the Irish folklore name for leprechauns. They are described as small ugly men that stand about 2 feet tall. They are usually dressed like a shoemaker, with a leather apron and a cocked hat. They are said to be aloof and unfriendly. They live alone and pass the time of day making shoes. It is believed that leprechauns possess a hidden pot of gold. Treasure hunters track down a leprechaun by the sound of his shoemaker's hammer. If a leprechaun is caught, he can be forced to reveal the whereabouts of his treasure, but the captor must keep his eyes on him every second. If he doesn't, the leprechaun vanishes.

The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the wall of the Blarney Castle tower in the Irish village of Blarney. Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the gift of gab (blarney). Which is the privilege of telling lies for seven years. One legend says that an old woman cast a spell upon the stone to reward a king who had saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly. Kissing the Blarney stone is not an easy feat. You must bend over backward and lower yourself down about two feet at the top of the castle, while holding onto the railing.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:56 AM  I   I  0 comments