St. Patrick's Day

Today, we learned about the history and origin of St. Patricks Day.  I have never read about this Irish holiday so Carly and I took some time today to look at a few websites to see what they had to say.

We went to Kaboose first, then on to Magical Mouse Schoolhouse.  Both had the same information about St. Patrick's day so here is what we discovered:

In the 5th Century, at the age of 16, Patrick was kidnapped by pirates from his homeland of Britian and taken to Ireland.  He started to study the Bible for peace.  He eventually escaped and went back to his homeland, Britian and later become a priest.  He felt a calling to go back to Ireland and teach the Irish about God.  He became a missionary! He traveled back to Ireland teaching the word of God and used a shamrock as an example to teach the Trinity!  St. Patrick died on March 17, 490 and that is the day he is honored by people wearing green in honor of the Emerald Isle, Ireland.

We aren't sure where leprechauns fit in but there was a story about them.  Leprechauns are little, wear leather shoe repair aprons and dress like old men.  They are quite grumpy and unhappy.  Their job is to repair the shoes of fairies.  These fairies paid the leprechauns with gold coins.  Proud of their coins, they kept them safe in large pots.

So it was interesting, funny and surprising where these traditions came from and just what they represent.

So, kiss a blarney rock to receive the gift of gab, look over your shoulder for a shamrock and follow a rainbow to a pot of gold.  Whatever you do today, enjoy it with your family.  Cherish each and every moment.

In His Love,
Michelle & Carly Jean