Luck of the Irish

We spent St. Patrick’s Day biking around downtown and enjoying the sun and warm temps. Last night, we went to a friends house for a get together in the suburban area called Wassenaar. We biked and it was a LONG way – 45 minutes on bike.

I decided to read about history of St. Patty’s Day since the last lesson I had was in Ms. Kersten’s first grade class. I couldn’t remember a thing other then shamrocks, leprechauns, fun Irish tunes, and wearing green.

So, here’s a “pinch” of info!

Who is St. Patrick? Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland. Saint Patrick, as a missionary, described himself as a "most humble-minded man, aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity.Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.
Why is it celebrated on March 17th?
One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died.
What does the shamrock mean?
This stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity.

Originally a holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday with all the festivals, parades, and parties.