It’s St. Patrick’s Day so shut your gob and drink

As an Irishman, or as the off the boat Irish tell me I have to say, as an American of Irish descent I’m very proud to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Here in Chicago we’ve been lucky enough to get a quality 60 plus degree and I’m already contemplating leaving work a little early to get a jump on the festivities. But before we get to the festivities however, how about a little fun history!

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.  On St. Patrick's Day Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.  Mmmm, Irish bacon.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.  

So obviously there is a long Irish tradition of parades, drinking and partying and I am happy to participate in such a wealthy heritage. Now all I have to do is catch a Leprechaun and everything will be just fine.  I suppose I should try and catch myself a fine Irish lass as well and sing her some Irish lullabies.

I also want to make it clear that the real Irish folks don’t go out on St. Patrick’s Day with the intention of getting completely faced. We just go out looking for a good time with friends and family, so please try to be respectful of each other out there so everyone does have a good time.

Gluais faicilleach le cupan làn.
(Go carefully with a full cup.)