Today is the day of “the wearing of the green.”
(I am repeating a post I wrote here in 2012.)
Did you know that Saint Patrick was not really Irish? And Patrick was not his birth name? His real name was Maewyn Succat but he took the name of Patrick when he became a priest.
Patrick was born in Scotland in 373 AD, but was captured by raiders when he was sixteen and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years he escaped by ship, then returned years later on a mission from God at about 430 AD.
Do you know how the shamrock became known as a symbol of Saint Patrick’s Day? Legend has it that Patrick used the shamrock as a visual aid in teaching about the Trinity.
Patrick grew to deeply love Ireland, and as an old man that is where he died on March 17, 460 AD, having fulfilled his mission. If you are interested in reading more about his life, click here.
Even though their history is tumultuous and rugged I love that some of my ancestors came from Ireland and some from Scotland.
Dance a little jig, count your many blessings, and hug a leprechaun today – if you can catch one. 🙂
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY!
Do you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in any way?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
Polilla Writes 