St. Patrick’s Day
Lissa Coffey
I remember when I first learned about St. Patrick’s Day. I was in kindergarten, and our teacher told us that leprechauns had come into the classroom to play a trick on us, they changed all the crayons to green! Of course we all thought this was so funny. We ate green cupcakes and made four leaf clovers out of construction paper. St. Patrick’s Day is a very special day, so let’s look at where some of these traditions come from. The first American celebration of St. Patrick’s Day was in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737. The color green is significant because it is the color of Spring, Ireland, and the shamrock. A leprechaun is an Irish fairy that takes on the appearance of a miniature old man. Leprechauns usually spend their time making shoes, so listen for the sound of a hammer when you go looking for them. The shamrock is a member of the clover family, and St. Patrick used it to explain the mystery of the Trinity – the three leaves representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Four leaf clovers are rare, and considered to be very lucky if you can find one.
An Irish Blessing
May you always have…
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.
Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom