Time For Go-Go Juice! Happy Saint Patty's Day!

Top of the Mournin’ to Ya! Picking up from yesterday, did anyone bring me some tissues? My Go-Go Juice is Green with envy for the many people who are going to celebrate in the spirit of St. Patty’s Day tonight! Although, a Hot Toddy could do me a lot of good! You know, as a child, I grew up knowing it was just a day to wear green or get pinched. As an adult, I learned it was a day to race from work, attack the ATM machine and hook up with friends for an evening of feast, green beer and wearing silly looking hats with tall springing clovers that danced over your head. Most people celebrate it just because it’s fun and another reason to get out of the house! But, guess what I’ve learned over time…there actually is a reason for the “wearin’ of the green”, drunken happiness and a day to be with friends. St. Patrick’s Day is named after Saint Patrick of Roman Britain whose family had moved to Ireland. His father became a deacon of the family’s church dating way back to the years of 387 – 461 AD. Talk about long time traditions! Saint Patrick had been kidnapped by Irish soldiers and returned to Britain for use as a slave. After studying his faith and becoming a Bishop, Saint Patrick reportedly received a religious experience (a vision) to flee his captives and return to Ireland to basically retaliate against the authorities in effort to save the Irish people. He succeeded. Over the years, various traditions arose like “wearin’ of the green” which referenced the ridiculous green uniforms that Irish Soldiers dawned on in effort to attract attention from the government while making political statements. Today, wearin’ of the green usually refers to wearing the 3-leaf clover, also known as the Shamrock. In Ireland, it is a Christian symbol of Holy Trinity that referenced (the father, the son and the Holy Spirit), hence why it is considered good luck. The celebration of Saint Patrick’s efforts truly began consistently before the 1600’s and was implemented into the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church of Ireland to be celebrated during Lent Season (a 40 day period of fasting). On this day of celebration, the Irish could essentially “take a break” from the religious fasting and let loose. Hence, crowds of gathers enjoyed big feasts, dancing and alcohol as a local favorite method of celebrating the reverenced holiday. Who wouldn’t? With loads of fun, it’s no wonder people of all faiths, culture and countries now celebrate in Ireland’s achievements. The only thing is, I can’t figure out where the heck the Leprechaun comes into play…I think it stemmed from a guy who had downed too many green beers and instead of seeing pink elephants, he saw cute little men dressed in green. So, with my Dayquil in hand and my cup of Green Go-Go Juice, here’s a toast to the Irish and to all of you in hopes of having a fun evening. Just remember to designate a driver so you can thoroughly enjoy your night of green bliss. Join me tomorrow morning…I’ll be sure to bring the aspirin!