UpTake on Blarney Castle, Ireland
Top o’ the week everybody! March 17th is St. Patty’s Day, a day when everyone is Irish! Remember to wear something green so you don’t get pinched, and more importantly make sure you fill your belly with some corned beef and cabbage that was washed down with a pint of Guinness.
In my research of this holiday I was surprised to find out a few facts about St. Patrick:
1. His real name was Maewyn Succat
2. He was not Irish! He was born in Wales in 387 AD
3. He did not chase snakes out of Ireland, because snakes have never been native to Ireland. He is celebrated because he was a priest who converted the Irish from the practice of Paganism to that of Christianity.
Did you also know that the original color associated with this holiday was not green? It was actually blue! Now that would just skew the whole dying the Chicago River green. And blue beer? Hmmm, doesn’t seem to work for me. Speaking of beer, one tradition associated with this holiday has definitely remained the same. Throughout history Christians have celebrated St. Patricks day by incorporating the indulging of ale.
How will you celebrate?? There are fantastic St. Patrick’s Day parades all over the world where you can participate in the “wearing of the green.” Personally, I hope to go to a local pub to listen to some Irish folk music and indulge in some cabbage (good thing I don’ t have roommates). I will also reminisce on my visit to Ireland when I rode a bike around the Ring of Kerry, sustained myself on a diet of soda bread, cheese and beer, attempted to decipher the Gaelic language and kept my eyes on the look out for Colin Farrell!! Alas, no Colin, but I did smack a kiss on the Blarney Stone (which endows the kisser with the gift for gab!…really? me?)
Photo Courtesy of: Vermario
