Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Today, many traditions will be acted upon for this famously green day of celebration in many different parts of the world including Japan, Singapore and Russia. The day may be celebrated with a pint of stout and wishing friends "Slainte!" (a toast to health). Here are some other traditions to consider:
The Shamrock, called 'seamroy' by the Celts, is a symbol used by many retailers and children alike to decorate for the holiday. The shamrock was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland symbolizing the rebirth of spring. Many Irish wore the shamrock as a symbol of pride in their heritage in protest of English rule.
The Leprechaun, Celtic folklore, is a tiny man or woman who uses magical powers to serve good or evil. They used their trickery to protect their storied treasure (gold perhaps). The modern leprechaun is an American invention of a cheerful, friendly figure brought on by the release of Walt Disney's film called Darby O'Gill & the Little People.
Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional menu served by many Irish-Americans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Corned beef only began to be associated with the holiday at the turn of the century. Irish immigrants used corned beef as a cheaper alternative to bacon.
Parades are an important part of celebrating the holiday. There are more than 100 parades throughout the United States with New York City and Boston holding the largest celebrations. The parade is 248 years old with the first parade on March 17, 1762 in New York City when Irish soldiers serving the English military marched in celebration.
Wearing Green has long been a tradition in the United States. The color is considered to be unlucky in Ireland. The pinch is to warn you that the Leprechauns can see you. If you wear green, you will be invisible and not receive the hurtful warning. Hope you are wearing green today. You may receive a pinch. Ouch!
Visit Graylyn for annual special events.
The Shamrock, called 'seamroy' by the Celts, is a symbol used by many retailers and children alike to decorate for the holiday. The shamrock was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland symbolizing the rebirth of spring. Many Irish wore the shamrock as a symbol of pride in their heritage in protest of English rule.
The Leprechaun, Celtic folklore, is a tiny man or woman who uses magical powers to serve good or evil. They used their trickery to protect their storied treasure (gold perhaps). The modern leprechaun is an American invention of a cheerful, friendly figure brought on by the release of Walt Disney's film called Darby O'Gill & the Little People.
Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional menu served by many Irish-Americans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Corned beef only began to be associated with the holiday at the turn of the century. Irish immigrants used corned beef as a cheaper alternative to bacon.
Parades are an important part of celebrating the holiday. There are more than 100 parades throughout the United States with New York City and Boston holding the largest celebrations. The parade is 248 years old with the first parade on March 17, 1762 in New York City when Irish soldiers serving the English military marched in celebration.
Wearing Green has long been a tradition in the United States. The color is considered to be unlucky in Ireland. The pinch is to warn you that the Leprechauns can see you. If you wear green, you will be invisible and not receive the hurtful warning. Hope you are wearing green today. You may receive a pinch. Ouch!
Visit Graylyn for annual special events.
Labels: corned beef, green, leprechaun, parades, shamrock, St. Patrick's Day, traditions
posted by Amy Willard at
9:12 AM
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