Happy St. Patty's Day

Great To Be Irish

St. Patrick's Day.

On this day everyone is a wee bit Irish.  In New York City it is celebrated almost as a national holiday  As it is in Ireland. There is a St. Patricks Day parade that marches up 5th ave. A full retinue of green wearing folks, Irish or not. Representing all sorts of organizations. From the men and ladies of N.Y.C . finest to high schools that represent the Roman Catholic Church. The mayor comes out and marches out in front along with the Grand Marshall of the parade. There are bag pipes squealing in melodious harmony. Played by kilt dressed marches. It is the end of lent so there is plenty of imbibing of  beer and other alcoholic concoctions. Of course the reviewing stand is maned by those who have enough importance to " get the good seats ". People lined up at the curb enjoy all that is to be enjoyed. It is a fine example of cultures joining with other cultures and fun for all.

New Yorkers and others have been celebrating the day since the early 18th century. Contrary to what people might think. The celebration has only taken hold in this manner in Ireland starting in 1997.  In Canada it has been celebrated since 1824.  In South America's Argentina. The 5th largest concentration of Irish in the world outside Ireland.  The day is well celebrated in ways similar to other places.  The shamrock being one of the symbols of St. Patrick's day represents the holy trinity. It was this that St. Patrick used to teach polytheistic Irish in the 5th century about the holy trinity.

The day is also held as a holy day of obligation in the Roman Catholic Church and recognized as a feast day.
It is recognized by several sects of Christianity including the Eastern Orthodox Church,  Anglican and Lutheran Church as well as the the Church of Ireland.  The wearing of the green reflects back to when during a revolution in the late 1700's the men of the cause wore green uniforms. It is also related to wearing a shamrock on St. Patty's Day.  Ironically  St. Patrick was not Irish at all. He was Romano British and was brought to Ireland as a slave when a young boy.  Then escaping to go on to become a priest and his ministry then was to bring Christendom to the pagan Irish in 432 AD. 

There are many private entities that sponsor the parades. Companies and individuals alike. Fund the celebration.  It is truly a great day for the Irish and for all.  A great holiday celebration that promises to be around for a long time as long as the secularist keep their nose out of it and ruin it for everyone.