And I must say, through a bit of study, I am a revived proud bearer of the "O'Brien" name, as well as a BIG FAN of St. Patrick's day.
Just so you can share in my excitement, here are some little known facts that you may have missed due to the gradual secularization of St. Patrick's day celebrations.
St. Patrick was kidnapped from Britain at the age of 16. He was taken to Ireland and forced into slavery. After escaping (for which he gives God the credit) and returning to Britain, St. Patrick studied to be a priest. In later years, he returned to the land of his torment to share the love of Jesus with the polytheistic Irishmen. He is credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland.
The shamrock is worn on St. Patrick's day because it is said that he used the three leaved plant to explain the trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.
The tradition of heavy consumption of alcohol derived from the liberty to feast and drink alcohol on this celebratory day, in the midst of Lent - where both are usually restricted.
Needless to say, John and I found great joy in sharing and celebrating this holiday with our boys.
You see, since having children, John and I have tried to be more careful about confusing messages that we mindlessly let into our home... Such as: the celebration of Santa clause (on Jesus' birthday), the observance of All Hallows Eve (the night before All Saints Day), the silly idea of a frighteningly large bunny who lays chocolate eggs (on Resurrection Sunday), and other meaningless rituals that are allowed room to vie for a child's affections.
However, I am proud to say, that from this day forward, my family and I will proudly wear shamrocks, eat green cookies, and when legal, even drink a glass of wine, to honor the example and legacy of St. Patrick.
