Many believe Saint Patrick to be Irish by birth. He was actually British, born around the end of the fourth century in the Roman province of Britain. This was the region now comprising England, Wales and Southern Scotland. Ireland was not a Roman Province.
The absence of snakes and many reptiles from Ireland is a natural not supernatural one. Legend says Patrick turned all the snakes in Ireland to stone with a prayer to God. However snakes had never lived in Ireland. The retreat of the glaciers in about 10,000 BC flooded the lowvalleys whiich now comprise the Irish Sea this left Ireland already an island before snakes and many reptiles were able to migrate across the Irish Sea. The stone snakes found in Ireland are actually fossilized Amonites, ancient sea creatures, which had coiled shells.
The eating of corned beef and cabbage on St. Patricks Day is an American tradition unknown in Ireland. It possibly comes from mixing of Irish and Jewish communities in 19th Century New York City. The corned beef known in Ireland and Europe is a shredded beef, not Brisket as in US Corned Beef, cabbage is also more Germanic as a traditional food rather than Irish. Though the Irish do use cabbage it tends not to be a major portion of a dish.
The wearing of green on St Patricks day is also an American Tradition, it may however come from the tradition of armies in the past wearing a sprig of a plant to identify friend or foe im battle prior to the time of uniforms.
During the Glorious Revolution of 1688 the Armies of King James the second of England, mostly comprised of Irish Catholics for his support. This army is known to worn sprigs of Shamrock in their caps to distinguish them from the armies of Protestant William of Orange.
The secular celebration of St. Patrick's day may always be seen as March 17. The Roman Catholic Church however will move the date of St. Patrick's Day between late February to early April in order to accommodate the Holy time of Lent, which is a time of restriction so having the celebration of a saints holy day is not considered appropriate.
The celebration of St, Patrick's Day is important to many people of Irish Ancedtry. It is a fun time, often filled with comsumption of large amounts of alcohol.
However you celebrate, Happy St. Paddy's Day!
Great list. H5
Thank you for posting.
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