If you relish corned beef and cabbage, beer, dancing the jig, bagpipe music, parades, and wearing green, today is your day. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! This holiday was established in the 5th century on March 17th to pay homage to the patron saint of Ireland. Once a religious celebration, today it is a secular holiday that honors Irish culture and heritage.
While these facts may be widely known, here are a few more that may be new to you. First, St. Patrick was not Irish! He was actually born in Britain and arrived in Ireland when he was 16 years old. Interested in Christianity, he taught others about the religion and spread the word. Second, the first color associated with St. Patrick’s Day was not green, but blue! Green became linked to the holiday in the 18th century when the shamrock was hailed as the national symbol. But given Ireland’s green landscape and it’s nickname the Emerald Isle, green is a fitting choice. And third, the term St. Patty’s Day is not the correct abbreviation for the holiday. Because Pádraig is the Gaelic version of Patrick, Paddy is the correct shortened name. Patty is associated with the female name Patricia.
From my journal: March 17, 2017, Fountain Hills, Arizona
“The fountain in town turned green at noon! Saw it from our house… how fun!”
There’s a lot to delight in on this St. Paddy’s Day, but what I like most are the humorous and touching proverbs and blessings that have been inspired by the beauty of Ireland and its people. Here are a few of my favorites.
May God Grant You
May God grant you always…
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
Lucky Stars Above You
Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play.
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song,
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long.
Glad as the Shamrocks
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.
Peace and Plenty
May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch to your door
And happiness be your guest today and evermore.
At The End of Your Rainbows
May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold,
And at the end of your rainbows, may you find a pot of gold.
Every Gentle Wind
May brooks and trees and singing hills
Join in the chorus, too.
And every gentle wind that blows
Send happiness to you.
Irish Proverb
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide,
And may your pockets always have a coin or two inside.
May You Live
May you live as long as you want
And never want as long as you live.
An Irish Blessing
There are good ships and there are wood ships
There are ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships
And may they always be.
Walls for the Winds
May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.
May the luck of the Irish be with you, today and every day! Enjoy the holiday! Sláinte!
A Journal Journey 