The Irish Saint Who Wasn’t Irish St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are a long-standing tradition, but many people celebrate without knowing the holiday’s history. There are more than a few surprises hidden in history. For one, St. Patrick — the patron saint of Ireland — wasn’t Irish. Here’s a closer look at the story behind St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations The first St. Patrick’s Day was held in Ireland on March 17 in the ninth or tenth century. Eventually, the celebration extended beyond Ireland’s borders. Residents of a Spanish colony in present-day Florida held the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1601. Homesick Irish soldiers and immigrants held other early parades in New York City and Boston, creating a long-standing St. Patrick’s Day activity. Traditions and Myths Today, people associate St. Patrick’s Day with various traditions, many of which have little to do with Patrick himself. For instance, the color traditionally associated with St. Patrick was blue; Irish nationalism led to the tradition of wearing green for the holiday. Leprechauns? They’re from Irish folklore, not St. Patrick’s teachings. The shamrock is one symbol tied directly to the saint — but not the four-leaf kind. Irish legend states that Patrick used the shamrock to help explain the holy trinity. St. Patrick’s Day has taken on a life of its own. Modern traditions may stray from St. Patrick’s original mission, but the holiday remains a popular celebration of Irish heritage and resilience. So, as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green or raising a glass, don’t forget the true story behind the holiday.
Who Was St. Patrick? St. Patrick was born in Great Britain in the fifth century, and his connection with Ireland resulted from a kidnapping. At 16, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and taken to Ireland aboard a slave ship. According to his own account, he was able to escape six years into his captivity with the help of an angel’s guiding voice that led him to a ship headed for the European continent.
That was a turning point for Patrick. He dedicated himself to religious service, eventually becoming a bishop and
receiving the name Patricius. Later, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, seeking to convert the inhabitants of the pagan island. By his death on March 17, 461 A.D., he had baptized thousands of Irish chieftains and aristocrats.
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Corned Beef and Cabbage
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients • 1 (4 lb) corned
Directions 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium- high heat, combine corned beef, spice packet contents, water, onions, carrots, celery, and salt. Bring to a simmer (skimming off any foam on top). 2. Cover pot, reduce to low heat, and let simmer for 3 hours until meat is fork tender. 3. Add potatoes to the pot and let simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are al dente. 4. Add cabbage along the edges of the meat and on top. Cover and let simmer until cabbage is tender, 20–30 minutes. 5. Place meat on a cutting board and let rest for 10–15 minutes. After meat has cooled, slice against the grain. 6. Add to a large serving bowl, ladle vegetables and broth over top, and serve.
beef brisket with spice packet
• 3 qts water • 1 onion, quartered • 3 carrots, cut into large chunks • 3 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tsp salt • 2 lbs red
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BLUEBIRD CLOVER
GREEN IDES LEPRECHAUN MADNESS
PISCES SPRING TANGERINE TULIP
potatoes, halved • 1 small head of
cabbage, cut into eighths
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