May your blessings outnumber the
shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
May the sun shine all day long,
Everything go right and nothing go wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all that you wish come true!
The three-leaf clover and shamrock have
come to represent St. Patrick's Day, a one day celebration held each year to
honor no other than St. Patrick, who died on March 17, 461 A.D. Green clothing
so you don't get pinched, drinking beer and whiskey, having parades, and even
going to church are ways the Irish and all who become Irish for a day celebrate
this event. Maewyn Succat would not believe the fuss. That was what he was
called before he became a saint for traveling and establishing goodwill to
spread the word about his religious beliefs and faith. He was believed to carry
shamrocks that resemble a three-leafed clover, to help explain the concept of
the Catholic Trinity (father, son, holy spirit). Kidnapped from his native
Britain by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland at the age of 16, Maewyn
worked as a shepherd and turned to religion for solace. After six years of
slavery he escaped to the northern coast of Gaul where he studied in a monastery
under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for 12 years. Converting pagans of Ireland
and Scotland to Christianity, few know of his history and faith today. In fact,
the celebrations are somewhat irreverent to his original intent, and have become
more of a much-needed break for working stiffs, youth in bands and all who enjoy
celebrations. In California as in other states in the U.S., the Irish bars and
pubs are especially filled with patrons beginning in the morning and going till
closing time.
.Santa
Barbara Botanic Gardens - California Flowers
1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Santa
Barbara, CA (805) 682-4726 www.sbbg.org
