Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Yes, March 17th is here and just what we all need in these changing, sometimes confusing times: a reason to celebrate. Pubs, clubs, schools and households all over the country are turning their thoughts to shamrocks, Irish jigs, fairies, three leaf clovers, green beer, cabbages and all things Irish for this great day. Where did it start?
St. Patrick's day was first celebrated in this country in Boston in 1737. It's not surprising that it reached our shores as there are more Americans of Irish origin than there are Irish in Ireland. The man himself, St. Patrick, was born in Wales in 385 AD. His given name was Maewyn. He had an eventful life and was good at converting pagans to Christianity. He was thrown into prison several times and escaped each time from the Celtic druids to continue establishing churches and monasteries all over Ireland, a mission that took him over 30 years. St. Patrick died on March 17th, 461 AD and that day has been celebrated as St. Patrick's Day ever since. When we think of this holiday, we think of green and yet the color of St. Patrick is actually blue. Green came into the picture and started to be associated with this celebration in the 19th century. The color green in Irish legends was the color worn by fairies and immortals and the color worn by people to encourage crops to grow. Even today, when we think of green, we think of springtime, new life and new growth.

Celebrate out of the box
The Irish people are well known for their magical customs, their warmth, humor and great enjoyment of celebration. So let's join together this year and take the opportunity to take part in the spirit of celebration. Dig in your wardrobe; find something green and head out into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. Join a parade and rub shoulders with both the sense of magic and actual tradition. Find a bar, pub or club, and join in with Irish dancing at the sound of the old country's songs. It's generally a night to be enjoyed, remembered and bound to lift your spirits. Speaking of spirits, did you know that the now famous Irish coffee was first invented in the 1940's by chef Joe Sheridan at Foyne's restaurant in county Clare? It was then introduced at Shannon airport as a pick me up for travelers. If you have never tried an Irish coffee, St. Patrick's Day is the perfect day to go ahead and do it. Irish coffee is a smooth blend of fresh coffee with Irish whiskey or liquor and traditionally topped with whipped cream. The drink does not contain too much alcohol, but has a luxurious warming texture and taste.

Although much has been written about St. Patrick's Day, a lot has been left unsubstantiated. Yet the magic of Ireland, the warmth of her people, the visions of rolling green fields, pleasant pastures and a quieter more pleasant way of life, lives on in us all. We hold such visions dear in our hearts. So this year, get out there; join in; let go and have fun because that's the true way to experience the "luck of the Irish", and who knows, maybe, just maybe, the magic of the little people might just visit you too.

By Petrene Soames

Petrene Soames is the author of The Essence of Self-Healing: How to bring health and happiness into your life (FleetStreet Publications - March 2001). She is a leading authority in healing and self-awareness, an inspirational speaker, a veteran television and radio guest featured in national and international press. She has worked successfully over the past 22 years as a consultant and therapist, helping others achieve their highest potential. Visit her web site at http://Timeismine.com or call (281) 363-9983.