“La Fheile Padraig” (St. Patrick’s Day in Irish) is celebrated around the world on March 17th but Paigey (our study abroad traveler) happens to be celebrating right in Ireland today! Will she get to kiss the Blarney Stone? So first, a quote for Paige (she can affirm if this is so because I have never been to Ireland): “In Ireland the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs.” -Sir John Pentland Mahaffy
For many, St. Patrick’s Day is just a good excuse to party, Irish or not. But, since one in five white Americans consider themselves to have Irish blood in their ancestry (this would include my family) many party with Irish pride!
My maternal grandmother, Nano, was always quite proud of her Irish ancestry (diluted as it was). But, in honor of Nano, we always celebrate! Not the raucous drinking green beer hoopla but we’ll don green attire, look for leprechauns, eat green bagels, etc.
For a little trivia, the color first associated with St. Patrick’s Day was originally BLUE. Somehow during the 17th century and the wide use of the shamrock attributed to the patron saint of Ireland (Patrick purportedly used the 3 leaves to explain the Holy Trinity), the color shifted to a green hue. Personally, I’d prefer blue but my Irish blood isn’t strong enough to have any impact on that tradition; the GREEN is likely here to stay.
AN OLD IRISH BLESSING
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
Make peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours.
