Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in many countries, especially Ireland, England, Canada and the USA. Today is a day that you can celebrate by doing the following:

Wear some green clothing

If old enough, drink at a pub, preferably Irish or English, and take part in their promotions. Most pubs and restaurants will have some promotional games or contests, perhaps sponsors like Guiness, Harp or Kilkenny (Irish beers) will offer freebies (giveaways at no cost)

Drink green beer (food dye is used)

See a St. Patrick's Day parade if your city has one.

Today's St. Patrick's Day celebrations are all about having fun. "Everybody's Irish" is the theme on this day. You may see hats and T-shirts that read "Kiss me I'm Irish!". People of drinking age may drink all day and night!

The original story of St. Patrick goes as follows:

A young English boy was stolen from him home and brought back to then-wild Ireland and held as a slave. During these difficult years the young man turned to his Christian faith to keep him going. One night he dreamed that he would walk over a hill and discover a boat that would rescue him. Shortly thereafter he escaped and found such a boat. He finally made it back to his home in England.

Later, as a priest, he decided to return to Ireland, where he knew the language and customs, to convert them to Christianity. Other missionaries had been killed. He was successful.

He added the circle to the cross which represented the sun, and created the "Celtic cross".

He used the 3-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) to the Irish people. That is why the clover or "shamrock" is a strong symbol not only on St. Patrick's Day but of Ireland itself.

This is just a brief background description. If interested, please do more research to learn about this fun and interesting holiday.

Cheers!!!

Coach Ric