Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Fun Facts about St. Patrick
St. Patrick was not actually Irish, and the first parade was held in America, not Ireland! St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17. It is a holiday that honors St. Patrick, who is known for bringing Christianity to Ireland.
One fun fact is that St. Patrick was not actually born in Ireland. He was born in Britain but was brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16. His real name was Maewyn Succat. He was able to escape after 6 years but felt he had a calling to become a priest and spread Christianity around Ireland.
St. Patrick is credited with driving snakes out of Ireland, but as an island surrounded by cold water, it probably never had any snakes. Some believe this is just a way of explaining how he rid Ireland of paganism (a belief in a different religion other than Christianity or no religious belief). Despite his title, St. Patrick was never officially canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Why Green?
Another fun fact about St. Patrick’s Day is the color green. Today, people wear lots of green on St. Patrick’s Day, but long ago, the color associated with St. Patrick was blue. Green became popular because Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle” due to its green landscape. Shamrocks, also green, are important because St. Patrick used the three leaves to help explain the idea of the Holy Trinity to people.
Why March 17?
We honor St. Patrick on March 17th, the day of his death. In Ireland, the day had been a religious holiday and most businesses, including pubs, were closed. In 1970, it was made a national holiday, so the pubs could then be open.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world, not just in Ireland. In the United States, many cities have parades, music, and dancing. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was actually held in Boston in 1737.
If you are able to attend a parade where you live, it is a great way to see all the different ways St. Patrick and Ireland are celebrated thousands of miles from Ireland. These fun traditions help people learn about Irish culture while enjoying a festive and colorful day.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Easy Shepards Pie Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables (3 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 1/2 cups Progresso™ Beef Flavored Broth (from 32-oz carton)
- 3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ All-Purpose Flour
- 1 pouch (4.7 oz) Betty Crocker™ Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes (or homemade mashed potatoes)
- Water, butter and milk called for on mashed potato pouch
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
- Paprika, if desired
Directions
- In 12-inch skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is no longer pink; drain. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, salt and pepper.
- In 4-cup glass measuring cup, add broth and flour, beating with whisk to combine. Add broth mixture to skillet; heat to boiling. Cook 8 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, make mashed potatoes as directed on pouch; stir in cheese until melted and 2 tablespoons of the parsley.
- To serve, divide beef mixture among bowls; top with potatoes. Sprinkle with paprika; garnish with remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.
Literature Corner
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
By Tomie dePaola
Tomie dePaola recounts the life of Saint Patrick-from his noble birth in Britain, to his captivity in Ireland, to the visions which led him to return and found the first Christian church in Ireland. This book recounts a number of legends about Saint Patrick, including the story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland, and his association with the shamrock. For ages 3-8, 32 pages.
The Lost Girl King
By Catherine Doyle
Amy and Liam Bell have been packed off to stay at Gran’s house in the wilds of Connemara for the summer. Out for a walk on the first morning of their holiday, they trace the flight of a hawk to a nearby waterfall – only to watch the bird disappear through it. Intrigued, the children follow and soon realize they’ve discovered the entrance to Tír na nÓg, the legendary land of eternal youth. But they’ve been tricked. Find out what happens next! For ages 9-11, 311 pages.
Lardie’s Laughs
Q. Where do leprechauns post their photos?
A. Insta-sham!
Q. How can you tell if a potato isn’t Irish?
A. When it’s a French fry.
Gab in Gaelic
Happy St. Patrick’s Day = Beannachtai na Feile Padraig (pron: bann/ockt/tee nih fail/eh pawd/rig)
