Fascinating St. Patrick’s Day History and Facts!
St. Patrick’s Day is More Than Green Beer
As you guzzle down your green brew this afternoon (or this morning?) here are a few interesting facts about St. Patrick to add a sense of historical perspective to your celebrations. Especially if you’re telling people you’re Irish today, these historical tidbits could help you pull off your fraudulent claims. So, you’re welcome.
Saint Patrick Had a Rough Life
You know how miserable you feel on March 18th after a day of drinking your tail off? Your misery pales in comparison with Saint Patrick’s. Before he became the patron saint of Ireland, he was actually born in Wales. He was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave around the age of 16. He later became a cleric, rising in the Church to the extent of being credited as the Founder of Christianity in Ireland. Not too shabby, Pat!
We celebrate his life and work within the Church by binge drinking cheap American beer. I’m sure he’d prefer us to go to Church, but they don’t usually serve beer in church. Sorry, Saint Patrick.
Saint Patrick and the Snakes
Probably the most famous legend concerning Saint Patrick is his banishment of all snakes from the island. They myth goes that all the snakes of Ireland got together to pull a sneak attack on Saint Patrick as he fasted on top of a hill. Saint Patrick turned them around from their slithery charge and ran them into the sea, freeing Ireland of their treacherous ways forever.
But, of course, scientists have to be total buzzkills and set the record straight. According to Nigel Monaghan (super Irish name), who is a naturalist at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, it’s unlikely that Ireland ever had snakes. Well, thanks for ruining a good story, Nigel.
The Story Behind Your Shamrock Shake
Saint Patrick was also famous for using the Shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to skeptical pagans in the 5th century. Legend has it that these pagans were slow to comprehend the concept that there could be one God, who was also the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Using the Shamrock seemed to have made it click for the pagans, however, and Ireland remains one of the more Catholic countries in the world to this day.
Now, do Shamrock shakes taste like Shamrocks? Asking for a friend.
So, how are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Be sure to send us your (appropriate) pictures on Facebook or tag us on Instagram. Be safe and always call us for a ride if your celebrations get a bit too spirited!