More than beer and shamrocks

Why is it when March 17 roles around every year, images of clovers, leprechauns and green beer invade our thoughts? Who was this St. Patrick? Did he really cleanse all of Ireland of its snake problem? Just as important (if not more), why is the patron saint of Ireland one our favorite drinking buddies for a day?

St. Patrick was born in Great Britain near the end of the fourth century. The father of Christianity’s beloved St. Patrick was himself a Christian deacon. Historical research shows that the family was actually not that religious. When Patrick was 16-years-old, he was taken hostage by Irish raiders and was forced to go to Ireland. He spent six years as a captive to the Irish renegades. During his time in captivity, Patrick was forced to work as a shepherd. He was in constant apprehension and tremendously fearful of his captors. It was during this point in his life that he turned inwardly, toward his religious beliefs for security and detachment.

Having significantly bolstered his spiritual consciousness through prayer and meditation, Patrick claimed that God spoke to him. It was his mission, as demanded by God, to get out of Ireland. Patrick escaped from his captors and trekked an estimated 200 miles back to the coast.

While in the safety of his reclaimed home, he had a vision involving an angel. The angel told Patrick to return to Ireland as a missionary.

Patrick then devoted the following 15 years of his life to studying Christianity.

After he was ordained, Patrick went to Ireland.

He acted as a minister for the Christians already there and converted others.

The story that St. Patrick banished all of the snakes of Ireland is completely false.

Fun fact: Ireland does not have, nor has ever had, a native snake population. The myth is most likely allegorical, relating the native pagan beliefs with serpents.

Patrick also did not introduce Christianity to Ireland, which is another customary belief.

The existence of the religion on the island significantly predates the time of St. Patrick.

What St. Patrick did do was to effectively convert tremendous numbers of the Irish population to Christianity.

He was already familiar with the language and he incorporated different elements of the pre-existing Celtic religions.

The sun (which is a significant Celtic symbol) behind the “Celtic Cross” was the idea of St. Patrick.

Allowing the native people to retain elements of their lives and belief structure positioned St. Patrick in a place of veneration.

The celebration of his life has been a national holiday for centuries in Ireland.

It has been celebrated in the United States for a few hundred years.

The first St. Patrick’s day parade was held in Boston on March 17, 1762.

From that point on the Irish figure (as well as most things Irish) has permeated our colorful American culture.

Leprechauns, shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are all permanently attached to the American lexicon.

Some people choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s day before or after Lent.

Traditionally for Lent, the Irish would simply go to church in the morning and celebrate over the rest of the day.

Eating meat (as well as many other things) is prohibited during lent, but on St. Patrick’s day the prohibition is put aside and everyone is encouraged to dance, drink and have fun.

Toasts are often incorporated into the celebration. If you go out tonight to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, here are a few traditional things to say when you have your glass raised:

“There are many good reasons for drinking,

One just entered my head.

If a doesn’t drink when he’s living,

How the hell can he drink when he’s dead?!”

“Here’s to you as good as you are,

Here’s to me as bad as I am,

As good as you are,

And as bad as I am,

I’m as good as you are,

As bad as I am.”

“I’ve drunk to your health in the pub.

I’ve drunk to your health in my home.

I’ve drunk to your health so many times,

I’ve almost ruined my own."

BOB BEERS
Culture Writer

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