St. Patrick's Day: More Than Just A Drinking Holiday! 🍀

[shortandsweet24]

Every year, on the 17th of March, so many people dress up in costumes, wearing goofy hats and shirts that read, 'Kiss Me, I'm Irish'. What people don't realize is that, behind this whole ridiculous facade, there is a real celebration of heritage. There is a history in the legend of the claddagh ring, the harp seen on the old pence, Ogham ruins, to name a few. Not to mention the well know Triquetra!

If you've ever seen a person from Ireland, on St. Paddy's Day, (Not St. Patty's or St. Pat's) they don't partake in the stereotype. Most wear a clover or shamrock on their lapel or shirt, to display the symbol of St. Patrick. The real St. Patrick...

St. Patrick, who wasn't truly a Saint of Ireland, in the eyes of the church, and actually came to the land, from Scotland! He brought the Christian religion to this proud green country, allowing a different perspective of faith to be heard (and there was a goofy little story of driving away snakes).

Real Irish people are just regular folks. No leprechauns, no pixie dust. No lucky charms. They work harder than most, and love to be havin' 'the craic'. A pint of the black stuff or a shot of John J, after a hard dose of life's cruel humor. And, if you venture into a local pub, you may find yourself singing along to some great Irish folk music. Like everyone else, Irish residents have their faults and their grande opinions! But, if you're really and truly lucky enough, you may meet some of the strongest, funniest and kindest people, that grace the earth...

And, only a small portion of us have that red hair and fair skin. Most true Irish look more like the talented Bono, Liam Neeson or Mr. Ryan Kelly. Dark hair and icy blues! I can honestly say they are some of the best looking gents, for any of you single ladies! 😁

But, like all others, Irish people, whether Irish American, like many of us, or whether they're from the old sod, we like to grab a Guinness or Jameson and ginger, to commemorate the day! (If you're brave enough, skip the ginger!) 😉

Now, please join me in saying... Happy St. Paddy's Day! Slaínte! 🎉 🍀

Credit for the photos rightly given to Ireland (a facebook community group), Celtic Thunder, and Luck of The Irish (on facebook) No private photos of Irish or Irish American people used due to personal courtesy! 💚

St. Patrick's Day: More Than Just A Drinking Holiday! Pt. 2 🍀

[Spirit_Is_Free]

Nice take - It is appreciated by irish people - Just a note about the shamrock and its relevance to St. Patrick - According to legend, St. Patrick used it to explain the holy trinity, the shamrock has 3 leaves yet is one thing - Have fun maybe a few beers this Thursday but also remember that Ireland is the land of saints and scholars often credited with being a major force of enlightment after the dark ages in Europe - As you mentioned in your take the singer Bono, I will take one of his lines when he introduced the song "Bad" in concert "There is good and bad in every city/country" - For every beer swilling Conor McGregor fan, we are also the country that produced G. B Shaw, W. B Yeats, Sean O'Casey etc.

[shortandsweet24]

Amen! And, I completely agree with everything you said! However, if I addressed all of Eíres good and bad points in a mytake, it may be the longest take ever. Especially considering all of the stories and legends passed down by so many!

Enjoy the holiday, this Thursday! Slaínte, my friend! 💚

[Dulcedulcexoxo]

My Birthday is on st Patrick's day! And I didn't know this, however I will spend it drinking. lol

[BrownBoyBrownies]

I live in Ireland, well I may disagree in one thing.
''If you've ever seen a person from Ireland, on St. Paddy's Day, (Not St. Patty's or St. Pat's) they don't partake in the stereotype''

I'm not sure what the sterotype is but if that has something to do with drinking... Yes it is actually true. A lot, I mean most that I know drinks and get drunk on Paddy's day in town. At least the young people or around my age group.
Other than that. Iagree, you are right. The rest of the stereotypes are not true.

[shortandsweet24]

I was actually talking about the dressing in green and wearing funny hats and drinking green beer. Some people in the US take it too far. Like the dressing up like a leprechaun... 😋

[LittleSally]

I'm not Irish... and was hoping to learn something new in this take. Didn't happen, unfortunately. The title is misleading - makes me thing there is going to be some historical story or story of origin... :(

Oh, well... still nice to read a bit about the Irish. =)

[shortandsweet24]

I've posted a part 2 that tells the legend of St. Patrick. From birth to death, and most important details in between. If you would like to learn about the history of the day and how it became a holiday for the Irish. :)

[LittleSally]

Nice! I will check it out =)

[Anpu23]

That "silly story" about the snakes, is actually quite important. The snakes in question were the pagans it's a euphemism for the pagan faith. It's because of this story that Ireland missed most of the terror that was the inquisition, and witch trials that plagued the rest of Europe.

[BCRanger10]

Good take. Thank you for sharing.

Also worth noting is that Saint Patrick's traditional color is actually BLUE, not green. His parents were also Roman citizens living in Scotland.

[shortandsweet24]

Yes. I figured. Since one of the offical colors of Ireland is blue, which few people know. I thought it had something to do with St. Patrick, but it could just be a convenient coincidence. 😋

[Jackblue]

If the official color is blue why is it not on your flag? The green was the symbol of Irish revolution since 1798. The orange I know was an attempt (mostly unsuccessful) to win over the protestants in the north. No idea where the white comes from.

[shortandsweet24]

@Jackblue The white is just a separate line between the two. It's got no big meaning. And, I just heard from a few Irish folks that blue was one of Ireland's official colors. I'm not sure why it isn't on the flag. 😋

[QuestionMan]

Believe it or not, I actually knew that St Patrick Day was about "St Patrick" and not drinking.

[front2back]

I know I'm Irish because my beard grows red hair haha

[Walls_and_Doors]

I can't even say history when I am drunk so I care less about it's reality.

[COCOCHANEL]

cute i like it