Happy St Patrick’s Day

So who is St Patrick and why do we celebrate St Patrick’s Day?

In the 5th century St Patrick was said to have been born in Romany England.  He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and shipped to Ireland as a slave where he stayed for 6 years.  Whilst in captivity it is said that he prayed every day, his faith becoming stronger with each day.  He managed to escape and return to England to his family.  Many years later he returned to Ireland a free man, spreading the word of God and his faith and it is said that he is the reason there is Christianity in Ireland. 

Legend has it that Patrick was loved by everybody who knew him and that he drove all of the snakes out of Ireland.  Snakes are seen as a symbol of evil and Patrick wanted no evil in the whole of Ireland.  In the 7th century people were talking about Patrick as if he were a saint but it wasn't until 1630 that he was officially canonised and the date of his death, 17th March, was officially declared St Patricks Day.

Although this story starts sad, Patrick returned to Ireland a happy man and lived out the remainder of his life on the beautiful emerald isle.

St Patrick’s Day is now a celebration of the heritage and culture of Ireland and a very good excuse for many to enjoy a glass of the dark stuff - Guinness.  Many people tell me that nobody parties quite like the Irish do on St Patrick’s Day and so I know where I need to be next year.

This year however I will be enjoying a steaming bowl of beef and Guinness stew with colcannon.  However you celebrate, enjoy.