Today, even those of us who are just a wee bit Irish don green and we pretend we are Irishmen for the day. The parades, partying, and corned beef sales are all signs that we either bored with winter or really honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland! In truth, the historical accuracy of St. Patrick's story is clouded in legends passed through the ages. He was many things, but he was not Irish by birthright!
Patrick was born in either Britain, Scotland, or Wales. Patrick wasn't particularly religious until after he was kidnapped and sent to Ireland to raise sheep. He heard voices that urged him to escape his captors. He escaped but later was captured, again, and sent to be a slave in France!
Patrick spent many years in France and became a bishop there.
Patrick became a missionary and that is when he returned to Ireland.
Patrick did not like particularly like green. He was usually dressed in blue!
Patrick did promote the shamrock as a religious symbol (of the Holy Trinity).
Patrick did not celebrate with corned beef! Irish immigrants to this country began brining beef brisket because it was cheap!
It does appear that our celebrations are historically accurate on this point: Patrick enjoyed a drink or two!
http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/who-was-saint-Patrick
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day
http://spoonful.com/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day
http://www.examiner.com/article/st-patrick-s-day-corned-beef-and-cabbage-more-american-tradition-than-irish
6 comments:
Anita, this was fun learning this morning! Thanks for a pre-dawn education!
Amazing how the history of a holiday takes a backseat to the celebration. Looks like St. Patrick's Day has taken a hard turn to the left. Thank you for sharing.
My son was reading a similar list to us yesterday. Just like St. Nicholas at Christmas, it's humorous how far we've come from the original.
The beer is the important part isn't it? At least that part is correct. :)
So much for myths - but, as Lee said, there MUST have beer all along, right? Green beer?
And the snakes, what about the snakes? Fun post, Anita-those of us in school certainly must wear green today-that's the tradition the little ones especially enjoy-the pinching! Happy St. Paddy's Day to you & yours!
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