So how did a day commemorating the arrival of Christianity to Ireland, become a drinking holiday?

Ah, ha!  Because Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking would be lifted for the day.  If Lent is your deal, then I hope that you made the most of St. Patrick’s Day because now Lent is back on.

Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with religious services and feasts.  Modern celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day began as a way for the Irish diaspora to celebrate their heritage.  Eventually, it became a tourist holiday within Ireland and many of the practices common in international celebrations were adopted there.

What about the snakes?

It seems unlikely that Ireland ever had any snakes (too cold for reptiles).  At some point, the lore about Patrick’s efforts against the Druids (the Celtic professional class – spiritual leaders, healers, judges, and teachers) became his vanquishing of snakes from the island.  Poor Druids.

What’s the deal with shamrocks?

Three was a significant number in pagan Ireland.  It is speculated that this helped Patrick with his evangelical efforts – the legend is that he may have use shamrocks to help illustrate the holy trinity to the pagans.

Sunday Funday

This St. Patrick’s Day also happened to be Sunday Funday, a somewhat recent designation for Sundays spent brunching and partaking in other day-drinking activities.  The term first appeared in the Urban Dictionary in 2006 (what did we call it before then, just Sunday?). Sunday Funday traditionally should begin with mimosas (preferably bottomless) and/or Bloody Mary’s.  The objective is to party hard enough to pass out early enough to be fresh and ready to start your week on Monday morning.

So, my question for you is: are you recovering today?

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