1. The first St Patty's Day parade was not in Ireland but rather New York City on March 17, 1762.
2. Up until around the 1970's pubs in Ireland were actually closed on March 17 since St Patrick's Day was originally a religious holiday.
3. Legend says that each leaf on the 4 leaf clover have a meaning: 1st: Hope. 2nd: Faith 3rd: Love 4th: Luck.
4. Blue was the original color of St Patrick's Day. It was only changed to green in the 19th century as a symbol for Ireland.
5. An estimated 13 million pints of Guinness stout beer will be consumed today.
As you are raising that pint of Guinness today, an Irish toast:
"May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
And as you lay your head down tonight, 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.”
Have a Happy St Patrick's Day!
Yikes! That's a LOT of pints! :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder where tomorrow falls in the list of days with the highest hangover rates.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
Very cool, I did a report on St. Patrick's Day a few years back and LOVED learning all the little facts about the celebration. Happy St. Patty's Day!!!
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