St. Patrick's Day!!!!! March 17th

St. Patrick's Day!

If you have ever hung around the Almanac of Merriment in March, you might be aware that I have some love for St. Patrick's Day. It's not because I love green, so much that I love a day when everyone is wearing it... I just kinda like to see the phrase "Erin go Bragh" randomly placed around. I like that phrase. No particular reason.

Anyway, if your weatherperson just announced that today is going to be the same as yesterday, as mine just did, there might be more than one reason why. You see, yesterday was St. Urho's Day. St. Urho is the patron Saint of Finland, who was created in Northern Minnesota in the 1950s.

The legend of St. Urho says chased the grasshoppers out of ancient Finland, thus
saving the grape crop and the jobs of Finnish vineyard workers.

Thus, we have a Finish Saint Day that is celebrated in America, that is not celebrated in Finland.

We have a similar situation with our St. Patrick's Day. We Americans have built up a lot of traditions that are not quite Irish. We Americans eat corned beef and cabbage, and pinch people, and

celebrate St. Patrick's Day with green beer and parades.
Traditionally, St. Patrick's Day meant going to church during the Christian season of Lent. There was no beer drinking, and especially no feasting on that holy day.

But, don't let me rain on your parade. Go out and have some fun out there. Pinch those checky non-green-wearing-potato-heads and if they complain, tell them "go n-ithe cata thú agus go n-ithe an diabhaill an cata."

St. Patrick's Day, March 17th

St. Patrick's Day!!!

It's no secret that I love St. Patrick's Day. I love it because I get a little thrill every time I see my name somewhere, even if I know it's not really for me.

Nevertheless, I was shocked when I read today that St. Patrick's Day had been moved to the March 15th, because the Catholic Church didn't want to celebrate the holiday during Holy Week, which I completely understand, since St. Patrick's Day is, after all, a Catholic feast day, and as such they have every right to move the celebration, so as not to take away from Holy Week, but I was so sad that I had missed it! And I didn't know because I didn't get the memo, because I'm not Catholic!

Anyway, I still must celebrate St. Patrick's Day today, and if you would like to celebrate along with me, here are a few tests to see how "Irish" you are.

Your Irish Name Is...

Maura MacSween

What's Your Irish Name?

What Your Shamrock Says About You

You express yourself well - you are very verbal. You are good at perceiving the world and understanding people. At times you can be moody and lack direction. You have an artist's temperament. You consider yourself a lucky person. Luck always seems to be on your side. You are traditional, easy going, and appreciative of the simple things in life.

The Shamrock Personality Test

You're 50% Irish

You're probably less Irish than you think you are... But you're still more Irish than most.

How Irish Are You?

Your Leprechaun Name Is:

Freckles O'Gold

What's Your Leprechaun Name?

You Are A Fig Tree

You are very independent and strong minded. A hard worker when you want to be, you play hard too. You are honest and loyal. You hate contradiction or arguments. You love life, and you live for your friends, children, and animals. A great sense of humor, artistic talent, and intelligence are all gifts you possess.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

You Are Emerald Green

Deep and mysterious, it often seems like no one truly gets you. Inside, you are very emotional and moody - though you don't let it show. People usually have a strong reaction to you... profound love or deep hate. But you can even get those who hate you to come around. There's something naturally harmonious about you.

What Color Green Are You?

Irish American Day, March 14th

Irish American Day

If you have even a little bit of Irish in you, you have a lot in common with 34.5 million Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But, if you aren't Irish, don't feel left out, it's only three days until St. Patrick's Day, the day that everyone is Irish.

To learn more about why we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, check out the History Channel's The History of St. Patrick's Day. If after reading/watching all that Irishness, you become despondent and worried that the American version is so commercialized and a far cry from it's religious and historical beginnings in Ireland that we as a nation are all doomed to live soulless existences, then try some Irish soul food... aka potatoes. Check out these authentic Irish recipes, and stay at home and cook and invite all your friends over for an Irish feast. Your soul will be filled to the brim with friendship.

But, you really will miss a little bit of the fun if you aren't a little commercial. After all, we Americans were the ones who put the pinch in the traditions, so, put on a "Kiss Me I'm Irish" or "Erin Go Bragh" button, and go have some fun! (Please wear one for me, I seem to have lost my special blinking one, as well as my Erin Go Bragh wall hangings.) Sad!

If cooking Irish food doesn't sound too appealing, try a parade. There will be plenty around. Even Salt Lake City has one, and on the right day too! It was a fun parade last year, it was cold, and a little odd with all the Scottish bagpipe bands participating, but lots of fun. I highly recommend it.

What ever you do, remember today is the prep day for the real thing, so you can have a half a week of Irish fun!

Happy, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Woo Hoo! Just seven more days!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope That You Are Wearing Green!

The St. Patrick's Day My Friends Wonder If I Should Get A Cat