Here it is, the High Holy Day of the Diaspora (not to
mention everyone back in the Old Country)!
Ah, St. Paddy’s Day . . . so many things to so many people.
Recently, it’s mostly become a drinking holiday, especially here in the US. I
understand it was traditionally a very religious holiday in Ireland. And of
course, it’s time for everyone to celebrate their Irish heritage (or to imagine
one, if necessary!).
Being of Irish (Scotch-Irish, more precisely) descent, I
come by the celebration naturally. St. Paddy’s Day was always celebrated in my
family, along with the requisite corned beef and cabbage. (I enjoy it much more
now than I did as a wee lad!) And with my latent discovery of the richness of
Celtic spirituality, I am more invested in the wearin’ of the green than ever.
Almost every major city has a St. Paddy’s Day parade or
celebration—even some of the smaller ones. York, PA, has been holding a parade
for 31 years. And nearby Lancaster is hosting a block party sponsored by a
couple local businesses. Does any other saint enjoy such popularity and
feasting? I suppose a case could be made for St. Nicholas in the Eastern Orthodox
tradition, and of course St. Francis—especially with the current pope. I have
to think, though, that a lot of Patrick’s esteem comes from his association
with the Emerald Isle. It’s estimated that over 100 million claim Irish
ancestry, a number 15 times that of Ireland itself.
But the reach of Ireland stretches far beyond those of us
whose ancestors once called Ireland home. The contributions of Irish—and more
broadly Celtic—culture are immeasurable: literature, art, religion, tradition, and
of course whiskey!
So let’s celebrate it all! Listen to some Cranberries,
Clannad, or Irish Tenors. Break out the Yeats and Joyce. Have a pour of Jameson
or Bushmill’s or a pint of Guinness. Éirinn go Brác!
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