On March 17 everyone is a little bit Irish. The day commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, who died on March 17, 461, after spreading Christianity. St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, not Ireland. At age 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and spent six years as a slave in Ireland before escaping. Originally a quiet religious feast day, it evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture. Did you know the first parade was organized by an Irish vicar in 1601 in Saint Augustine, Fla., then in 1737 in Boston and in New York City in 1762. Historically, the color associated with St. Patrick was blue, not green. Green became popular in the 18th century as a symbol of Irish nationalism. While it’s a good tale, the story of St. Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland is a myth; snakes never lived in Ireland.
Sláinte!
