March 17, 2008

While my heritage is a hodgepodge of nationalities, I’d wager that I’m about 1/3 Irish. This year, the Roman Catholics officially celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 15, since - in 2008 - it falls during Holy week. I read that that won’t happen again until 2160. Well, I’m happy to report that yes, indeed I did my part for the “2008 official celebration” - I was at the pub on Saturday night, throwing down some car bombs. And, I’ll be doing it again tonight, on the real St. Patrick’s Day.

Here are some interesting facts about the holiday:

• St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.
• Originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. In America, in fact, St. Patrick’s Day is basically a time when everyone becomes Irish, wears green and goes out to party.
• That green is associated with St. Patrick’s Day because it’s the color of spring?
• One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.
• Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Can’t have a St. Patrick’s day without a good Irish joke:

A man stumbles up to the only other patron in a bar and asks if he could buy him a drink.

“Why of course,” comes the reply.

The first man then asks: “Where are you from?”

“I’m from Ireland,” replies the second man.

The first man responds: “You don’t say, I’m from Ireland too! Let’s have another round to Ireland.”
“Of Course,” replies the second man.

Curious, the first man then asks: “Where in Ireland are you from?”
“Dublin,” comes the reply.
“I can’t believe it,” says the first man.
“I’m from Dublin too! Let’s have another drink to Dublin.”
“Of course,” replies the second man.

Curiosity again strikes and the first man asks:
“What school did you go to?”
“Saint Mary’s,” replies the second man.
“I graduated in ‘62.”

“This is unbelievable!” the first man says.
“I went to Saint Mary’s and I graduated in ‘62, too!”

About that time in comes one of the regulars and sits down at the bar.
“What’s been going on?” he asks the bartender.
“Nothing much,” replies the bartender. “The O’Malley twins are drunk again.”

[sources]

1. Kaboose
2. Care2
3. The Holiday Spot

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|  Printable version | Posted in pastische, reflections | Tags: celebration, holiday, st. patrick's day.