Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Have you ever wondered why we who are not Irish celebrate on a day set aside for the patron saint of Ireland? Forgive me please if you are reading and you happen to be Irish, rightfully celebrate to your hearts content. Kids all over America will be hyped up on sugar from green frosted cupcakes and shamrock shaped cookies. They'll delight in pinching those who had the unfortunate luck of forgetting to wear green clothing. Adults will toast with warm green beer and drunkenly sing "O Danny Boy" off key. It's the only day where an American can claim to be Irish just for a kiss. Why do we do this? Here's a few facts you might want to know.

First off it might interest you to know that St Patrick was not Irish! He was born in Britain, kidnapped at age 16 and enslaved in Ireland. During his slavery (while shepherding) he "found God". He escaped from slavery and made his way back to Britain studying theology there for 14 years. He claimed he had a vision from God compelling him to go back to Ireland to spread God's word among the pagan druids. He preached there for over 30 years and his impact was enormous and far reaching. I found it interesting to learn that within 200 years of his preaching, Ireland had completely converted to Christianity and was the ONLY European country to do so peacefully. On a side note, one legend says the Shamrock is popular on this day because Patrick used it in his preaching to demonstrate the holy trinity. The 3 leaves showing how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can be separate yet still one.

For centuries Ireland celebrated their Saint quietly each year. It wasn't until 1737 that Irish immigrants to America brought the party to us. In typical American fashion we have managed to turn it into a boozy festival. The good news is that if you are going to drink, make sure you drink the authentic Guinness Dark Irish stout. In 2003 the American Heart Association claimed that their research showed that a daily mug of the dark amber variety is as effective as an aspirin in helping reduce blood clots that cause heart attacks. So when you raise your pint with the traditional Irish Slainte' which means "health" maybe you are actually doing something good for your health. I'm not sure I buy that though. If green and healthy is what you're after, go with broccoli. Besides, no one has ever been thrown in the pokey for driving under the influence of broccoli.

I say all of this to say that I'm not sure why we Americans celebrate good ol' Saint Paddys day. I just know that when I wear my Emerald Isle green today, I'll be remembering Patrick's faithfulness and obedience to God.

Slainte'