One of the most surprising facts about St. Patrick is that he actually was not Irish! Shock, horror, seriously though, it is thought he came from Roman, Britain and arrived in Ireland the hard way – he was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a youth to tend sheep. Yes, it’s true.

And you know now, those snakes he drove out of Ireland, well that’s a metaphor for evil. Apparently there were never any snakes in Ireland. And well, there’s more to St Patrick. He spent some of his life in France, studying in a monastery returning to Ireland after twelve years, to spread a few good words.

St. Patrick (St. Padraig) is often associated with the shamrock. It’s said that, upon returning to Ireland, he used the three-leafed plant as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity (ask a true believer of the holy Catholic Church for an explanation). The shamrock is now one of the more notable symbols of Ireland, along with the Celtic Cross, the Claddagh ring, Guinness, Jameson Whiskey and other great whiskeys, Soda Bread, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and the shillelagh!

Why do we celebrate today, on the 17th? Actually, that is the date St. Patrick died. He must have been a very affable guy because almost the whole world knows of him and the Irish, they know how to tell a good story and of course to throw a party. So Happy St. Patricks day to yer, Slainte!