Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, evaporated milk, cream of tartar and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil. Cook to the soft ball stage at 234 degrees F (115 degrees C). A few drops will form a soft ball when dropped into cold water. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Add vanilla and beat until creamy and stiff. Roll into balls and shape like little potatoes. Roll each ball in cinnamon to coat, then press in pieces of chopped nuts to look like eyes. You can also dust with cocoa to simulate dirt
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
St.Patricks Day Shamrock Plant
During the month of March in celebration of St. Patricks Day "shamrock plants" are sold everywhere we see them in the grocery store, the local Home Depot and at our favorite florist. This little green plant is so hard to resist by all of us to bring a bright green spot into our home after a long cold winter but did you know there really is no such thing as a shamrock plant.Shamrock is derived from the Irish word 'seamrog' and means 'little clover'. In Ireland, the plant most often referred to as the shamrock, is actually white clover.
Our association of the shamrock plant with St. Patricks Day comes from the Irish tale which tells of how Saint Patrick (who was also a teacher) used the three-leafed shamrock in his lectures to explain that the Trinity, (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.
Here in the United States.most of the plants sold in supermarkets and garden centers around Saint Patrick's Day as 'shamrocks' are really Oxalis acetosella or Oxalis deppei. They may not be the real shamrock, but they are a great substitution. Oxalis acetosella has white flowers while Oxalis deppei has red blooms.
Oxalis like lots of light and prefere south or west exposure. High temperatures will cause them to go dormant and they like to be barely damp and should be fertilized monthly with an all purpose formula of fertilizer. While it is possible to grow oxalis for years without giving them a rest, they perform at their best with a period of dormancy. When the plant begins to look tired, stop all watering and fertilizing and store the plant in a dark, cool place. After a couple of months bring it out and start watering again. You'll be rewarded with fresh, new growth
So pick up one of an expensive "Shamrock Plant" at your local grocery and enjoy the tradition of St. Patricks Day
Our association of the shamrock plant with St. Patricks Day comes from the Irish tale which tells of how Saint Patrick (who was also a teacher) used the three-leafed shamrock in his lectures to explain that the Trinity, (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.
Here in the United States.most of the plants sold in supermarkets and garden centers around Saint Patrick's Day as 'shamrocks' are really Oxalis acetosella or Oxalis deppei. They may not be the real shamrock, but they are a great substitution. Oxalis acetosella has white flowers while Oxalis deppei has red blooms.
Oxalis like lots of light and prefere south or west exposure. High temperatures will cause them to go dormant and they like to be barely damp and should be fertilized monthly with an all purpose formula of fertilizer. While it is possible to grow oxalis for years without giving them a rest, they perform at their best with a period of dormancy. When the plant begins to look tired, stop all watering and fertilizing and store the plant in a dark, cool place. After a couple of months bring it out and start watering again. You'll be rewarded with fresh, new growth
So pick up one of an expensive "Shamrock Plant" at your local grocery and enjoy the tradition of St. Patricks Day
Monday, February 26, 2007
St. Patrick Cookie Pops
If you are looking for a fun and easy recipe to do with the kids, try these deliciously simple St. Patrick's Day Cookie Pops. The kids will smile and giggle while making these treats, and will have something fun to give to family, friends, and classmates!
Materials:
20 vanilla wafer cookies
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 12-ounce bag white chocolate chips
green and yellow gumdrops
green Dots
green and yellow Nerd candies
Cake decorating writer gel in green, yellow, red, orange, and black
1 tube of green cake decorator frosting with tip
green and yellow decorator sugar
green food coloring
ice cream or lollipop sticks
wax paper or paper plates
Instructions:
Spread peanut butter onto the flat side of the cookies. Place an ice cream stick into the peanut butter on half the cookies. Top with another cookie so the stick is sandwiched between the two cookies. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, one minute, then in 20 second increments, stirring until smooth. Before melting, separate the white chips into two bowls. After melting, add a few drops of green food coloring to one of the bowls of white chips to make green chocolate. Dip cookie pops in the melted chips, covering completely. Sprinkle with green and yellow sugar and lay or stand on waxed paper or paper plates. Place in refrigerator to chill.
Fun Variations
Leprechaun After coating with white chocolate, dip top of pop into green sugar. Slice two yellow gumdrops to make beard. Allow to dry on wax paper. Use black and red decorator gel for eyes and mouth, and for trim on hat. Rainbow with Pot of Gold After coating with white chocolate, cut a green Dot in half lengthwise, adhere to chocolate. Before chocolate has a chance to dry, place 3-5 yellow candy nerds "in" pot. Create a rainbow with various colored decroator gel. Shamrock After coating with white chocolate, sprinkle with yellow decorator sugar, then draw on a shamrock using green cake decorator icing. Four Leaf Clover After coating with green chocolate, use green sliced gumdrops to create clover leaves. Slice a small strip out of remaining gumdrop for stem. Use a green candy Nerd for the center of the clover. Note: Another variation is to use vanilla or chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter for the filling. These can also be made without sticks. Use one stick to be able to dip the cookies in chocolate and roll in sprinkles, then remove the stick and put on wax paper or paper plates, then chill.
Materials:
20 vanilla wafer cookies
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 12-ounce bag white chocolate chips
green and yellow gumdrops
green Dots
green and yellow Nerd candies
Cake decorating writer gel in green, yellow, red, orange, and black
1 tube of green cake decorator frosting with tip
green and yellow decorator sugar
green food coloring
ice cream or lollipop sticks
wax paper or paper plates
Instructions:
Spread peanut butter onto the flat side of the cookies. Place an ice cream stick into the peanut butter on half the cookies. Top with another cookie so the stick is sandwiched between the two cookies. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, one minute, then in 20 second increments, stirring until smooth. Before melting, separate the white chips into two bowls. After melting, add a few drops of green food coloring to one of the bowls of white chips to make green chocolate. Dip cookie pops in the melted chips, covering completely. Sprinkle with green and yellow sugar and lay or stand on waxed paper or paper plates. Place in refrigerator to chill.
Fun Variations
Leprechaun After coating with white chocolate, dip top of pop into green sugar. Slice two yellow gumdrops to make beard. Allow to dry on wax paper. Use black and red decorator gel for eyes and mouth, and for trim on hat. Rainbow with Pot of Gold After coating with white chocolate, cut a green Dot in half lengthwise, adhere to chocolate. Before chocolate has a chance to dry, place 3-5 yellow candy nerds "in" pot. Create a rainbow with various colored decroator gel. Shamrock After coating with white chocolate, sprinkle with yellow decorator sugar, then draw on a shamrock using green cake decorator icing. Four Leaf Clover After coating with green chocolate, use green sliced gumdrops to create clover leaves. Slice a small strip out of remaining gumdrop for stem. Use a green candy Nerd for the center of the clover. Note: Another variation is to use vanilla or chocolate frosting instead of peanut butter for the filling. These can also be made without sticks. Use one stick to be able to dip the cookies in chocolate and roll in sprinkles, then remove the stick and put on wax paper or paper plates, then chill.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Irish Cream Fudge
Ingredients:
2 packages ( each package should be 12 ounces each) of milk chocolate chips
1 (12 ounces) package semisweet chocolate chips
2 jars of marshmallow cream, 7 ounces EACH
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2/3 cups of Irish Cream
2 cups of chopped nuts - optional
4 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
1 12 ounce can of evaporated milk
1/2 pound of butter
Directions:
In a very large bowl, combine the 2 packages of milk chocolate chips, the one package of semisweet chocolate chips, both jars of marshmallow cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the Irish Cream, and nuts if you are adding them. Set this mixture aside.
Line a 10-x-15-inch pan with foil and spread lightly with butter or margarine.
In a medium sized saucepan, combine 4 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 can of evaporated milk, and 1/2 pound of butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook slowly, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes.
Pour the milk mixture into the very large bowl holding the chocolate chip mixture. Stir slowly by hand to combine. It is very important to do this by hand and NOT use any kind of mixer.
Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and chill until set.
2 packages ( each package should be 12 ounces each) of milk chocolate chips
1 (12 ounces) package semisweet chocolate chips
2 jars of marshmallow cream, 7 ounces EACH
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2/3 cups of Irish Cream
2 cups of chopped nuts - optional
4 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
1 12 ounce can of evaporated milk
1/2 pound of butter
Directions:
In a very large bowl, combine the 2 packages of milk chocolate chips, the one package of semisweet chocolate chips, both jars of marshmallow cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the Irish Cream, and nuts if you are adding them. Set this mixture aside.
Line a 10-x-15-inch pan with foil and spread lightly with butter or margarine.
In a medium sized saucepan, combine 4 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 can of evaporated milk, and 1/2 pound of butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook slowly, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes.
Pour the milk mixture into the very large bowl holding the chocolate chip mixture. Stir slowly by hand to combine. It is very important to do this by hand and NOT use any kind of mixer.
Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and chill until set.
Legend of the Blarney Stone
Many years ago the king of Munster was out surveying his land. As he passed by a lake, he heard a frantic voice calling for help. Without hesitation he dove into the water and swam out to where a fragile looking old woman was struggling to stay afloat. He pulled her back to shore, and when she had recovered enough to speak, she thanked him profusely and offered to repay him. But he modestly refused.
Now, as luck would have it, this was no ordinary woman. In fact, she possessed fairy powers. She noticed that the kindly king stammered when he spoke, and she determined how she would repay him. Looking toward the tallest castle tower, she whispered a spell in Gaelic. Then she instructed the king to go to the top of the tower, lean down and kiss the stone beneath the parapet. If he kissed the Blarney Stone, she assured him, he would be blessed with a silver tongue. The king did as he was told, and immediately, his stammer was gone. Out of gratitude and generosity, he invited everyone from near and far to kiss the Blarney Stone and obtain the gift of eloquence for themsleves. The tradition continues today.
Now, as luck would have it, this was no ordinary woman. In fact, she possessed fairy powers. She noticed that the kindly king stammered when he spoke, and she determined how she would repay him. Looking toward the tallest castle tower, she whispered a spell in Gaelic. Then she instructed the king to go to the top of the tower, lean down and kiss the stone beneath the parapet. If he kissed the Blarney Stone, she assured him, he would be blessed with a silver tongue. The king did as he was told, and immediately, his stammer was gone. Out of gratitude and generosity, he invited everyone from near and far to kiss the Blarney Stone and obtain the gift of eloquence for themsleves. The tradition continues today.
Colcannon
Colcannon is an Irish dish that is rich in tradition and history. It's also a perfect recipe to make with the kids while sharing it's interesting history! Some families would leave out a plate of it, with a lump of butter in the center for the fairies and the ghosts. There is even a traditional Irish song that was written long ago about colcannon that you can sing while preparing it!
Did you ever eat colcannon
When 'twas made with yellow cream
And the kale and praties blended
Like the picture in a dream?
Did you ever take a forkful
And dip it in the lake
Of heather-flavored butter
That your mother used to make?
Oh, you did, yes you did!
So did he and so did I,
And the more I think about it
Sure, the more I want to cry.
God be with the happy times
When trouble we had not
And our mothers made Colcannon
In the little three-legged pot.
The little pot was known as a Bastable oven, which looked a little like a cauldron with a lid that was put over a fire and used as an oven to bake bread and other dishes.Traditional charms were put in the colcannon that symbolized different things. A button meant you would remain a bachelor and a thimble meant you would remain a spinster for the coming year. A ring meant you would get married and a coin meant you would come into wealth.
Colcannon Recipe
Ingredients:1
pound cabbage
2 pounds russet or yukon gold potatoes
2 small leeks, green onions or scallions
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup (1 stick)
2 tablespoons butterdash of nutmeg or mace
Core, quarter and shred the cabbage and place in a pan, covering with boiled salted water til tender-about 15 minutes.
Peel and cut the potatoes into 2 inch pieces and cook those too in salted water for about 15 minutes in another pan.
Drain the cabbage and chop into very small pieces.
Drain the potatoes and mash by hand
In a pan large enough to hold the cooked potatoes and cabbage, combine the onions and milk and cook over medium heat until they are tender, about 8 to10 minutes.
Add the potatoes, salt, pepper, and mace to the onions and milk and stir over low heat until well-blended.
Add the cabbage and 1/2 cup of butter and stir again to the consistency of mashed potatoes.
Mound the mixture in the middle of a platter and make an indentation. Add the remainder of the butter.
Serves 4 to 6.
Did you ever eat colcannon
When 'twas made with yellow cream
And the kale and praties blended
Like the picture in a dream?
Did you ever take a forkful
And dip it in the lake
Of heather-flavored butter
That your mother used to make?
Oh, you did, yes you did!
So did he and so did I,
And the more I think about it
Sure, the more I want to cry.
God be with the happy times
When trouble we had not
And our mothers made Colcannon
In the little three-legged pot.
The little pot was known as a Bastable oven, which looked a little like a cauldron with a lid that was put over a fire and used as an oven to bake bread and other dishes.Traditional charms were put in the colcannon that symbolized different things. A button meant you would remain a bachelor and a thimble meant you would remain a spinster for the coming year. A ring meant you would get married and a coin meant you would come into wealth.
Colcannon Recipe
Ingredients:1
pound cabbage
2 pounds russet or yukon gold potatoes
2 small leeks, green onions or scallions
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup (1 stick)
2 tablespoons butterdash of nutmeg or mace
Core, quarter and shred the cabbage and place in a pan, covering with boiled salted water til tender-about 15 minutes.
Peel and cut the potatoes into 2 inch pieces and cook those too in salted water for about 15 minutes in another pan.
Drain the cabbage and chop into very small pieces.
Drain the potatoes and mash by hand
In a pan large enough to hold the cooked potatoes and cabbage, combine the onions and milk and cook over medium heat until they are tender, about 8 to10 minutes.
Add the potatoes, salt, pepper, and mace to the onions and milk and stir over low heat until well-blended.
Add the cabbage and 1/2 cup of butter and stir again to the consistency of mashed potatoes.
Mound the mixture in the middle of a platter and make an indentation. Add the remainder of the butter.
Serves 4 to 6.
Leprechauns
The Leprechaun is an Irish fairy. Full grown leprechauns are reported to be about 2 feet tall. They will frequently be clothed in the garb of a shoemaker, with a cocked hat and a leather apron. Frequently scowling, leprechauns are said to resemble small, grumpy old men.
According to legend, leprechauns are unfriendly, live alone. They spend a great deal of their time making shoes. Most importantly, each and every leprechaun possesses a hidden pot of gold.
If caught, the leprechaun must reveal the whereabouts of his pot of gold. But be careful! Keep your eyes on the tricky leprechaun every second. He will try to trick you into looking away, and if you do...PooF! He vanishes and all hopes of finding the treasure are lost.
According to legend, leprechauns are unfriendly, live alone. They spend a great deal of their time making shoes. Most importantly, each and every leprechaun possesses a hidden pot of gold.
If caught, the leprechaun must reveal the whereabouts of his pot of gold. But be careful! Keep your eyes on the tricky leprechaun every second. He will try to trick you into looking away, and if you do...PooF! He vanishes and all hopes of finding the treasure are lost.
Legend of the Shamrock
Long ago, when Ireland was the land of Druids, there was a great Bishop, by name of Patrick. He came to teach the word of God throughout the country and was well loved everywhere he went.
One day, however, a group of his followers came to him and admitted that it was difficult for them to believe in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
Patrick reflected a moment and then, stooping down, he plucked a leaf from the shamrock and held it before them, bidding them to behold the living example of the "Three-in-One." The simple beauty of this explanation convinced these skeptics, and from that day the shamrock has been revered throughout Ireland
One day, however, a group of his followers came to him and admitted that it was difficult for them to believe in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
Patrick reflected a moment and then, stooping down, he plucked a leaf from the shamrock and held it before them, bidding them to behold the living example of the "Three-in-One." The simple beauty of this explanation convinced these skeptics, and from that day the shamrock has been revered throughout Ireland
Friday, February 23, 2007
Shamrock Print
This is such a fun craft to do with children. You can do this print on different kinds of paper to make wrapping paper, cards and pictures.
Supplies :
Bell Pepper
Paper
Acrylic Paint in various shades of green
Liner brush
Directions:
Cut a bell pepper in half through the middle. Not end to end going through the stem but through the center. This will make a shamrock shape out of the cut section of the bell pepper. Clean out the seeds.
Place your choice of green paint on a paper plate
Dip the bell pepper slice into the paint lightly......getting only on the edges ..if you get to much paint wash the slice off and start over
Press on to the paper you can add a stem by painting it on with a paint brush
Continue putting the shamrocks on the paper in any design you wish and in the different shades of green.
Supplies :
Bell Pepper
Paper
Acrylic Paint in various shades of green
Liner brush
Directions:
Cut a bell pepper in half through the middle. Not end to end going through the stem but through the center. This will make a shamrock shape out of the cut section of the bell pepper. Clean out the seeds.
Place your choice of green paint on a paper plate
Dip the bell pepper slice into the paint lightly......getting only on the edges ..if you get to much paint wash the slice off and start over
Press on to the paper you can add a stem by painting it on with a paint brush
Continue putting the shamrocks on the paper in any design you wish and in the different shades of green.
Corn Beef Dinner
Ingredients :
4 1/2 pounds corned beef brisket
5 black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 onion, peeled and left whole
2 bay leaves
1 pinch salt
1 small head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
6 large potatoes, quartered
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
In a 6 quart Dutch oven, Place the beef brisket, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion, bay leaves and salt. Fill pan with water to cover everything plus one inch. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any residue that floats to the top. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until meat can be pulled apart with a fork.
Once the meat is done, add the cabbage, potatoes and carrots, pressing them down into the liquid. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Skim off any oil that comes to the surface. Stir in the butter and parsley. Remove the pot from the heat.
Remove meat from the pot and place onto a serving dish and let rest for 15 minutes. Also remove vegetables to a bowl and keep warm. Slice meat on the diagonal against the grain. Serve meat on a platter
4 1/2 pounds corned beef brisket
5 black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 onion, peeled and left whole
2 bay leaves
1 pinch salt
1 small head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
6 large potatoes, quartered
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
In a 6 quart Dutch oven, Place the beef brisket, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion, bay leaves and salt. Fill pan with water to cover everything plus one inch. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any residue that floats to the top. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until meat can be pulled apart with a fork.
Once the meat is done, add the cabbage, potatoes and carrots, pressing them down into the liquid. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Skim off any oil that comes to the surface. Stir in the butter and parsley. Remove the pot from the heat.
Remove meat from the pot and place onto a serving dish and let rest for 15 minutes. Also remove vegetables to a bowl and keep warm. Slice meat on the diagonal against the grain. Serve meat on a platter
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
St Patrick Day Craft Ideas
I found these websites for some cute St. Patrick 's Day ideas and thought I would share and they are all free !
St. Patricks Candlestick
Lucky Leprechaun
Leprechaun Hat
St Patricks Day Magnets
St Patricks Day Graphics
St. Patricks Candlestick
Lucky Leprechaun
Leprechaun Hat
St Patricks Day Magnets
St Patricks Day Graphics
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Irish Stew
Some of the most delicious things evolve out of necessity. Nowhere has this been more true than in Ireland, where culinary tradition was built on making do with less.where food has never been a plentiful commodity among the people. Mothers and wives for over two hundred years have had to cook with what was available. Today many of us think of corn beef and cabbage for St. Patricks Day but on Irish soil stew is much more traditional. The ingredients are layered in a pot and cook all day in a slow oven. I must admit I dont care for lamb so I just substitute beef.
Irish Stew
Serves 4 to 6
Irish stew is traditionally served with buttered boiled carrots.
3 pounds small Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
2 medium onions (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise and cut into thin half-moons
2 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh thyme
3 cups homemade lamb stock, or homemade or lowsodium store-bought chicken stock
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh curly- or flat-leaf parsley
1. Preheat oven to 325°. Cut 1 pound of the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds; spread them out in a large (5- to 6-quart) heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven. Layer half the onions on top of the potatoes.
2. Place lamb cubes on top of onions. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; season with pepper. Add the thyme. Place remaining onions on top of lamb. Add the stock and 1 cup water.
3. Place whole potatoes on top of onions. Sprinkle with remaining teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Cover with a tight-fitting lid; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Transfer to oven; cook, without stirring, 2 hours. Sprinkle with parsley.
Irish Stew
Serves 4 to 6
Irish stew is traditionally served with buttered boiled carrots.
3 pounds small Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
2 medium onions (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise and cut into thin half-moons
2 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh thyme
3 cups homemade lamb stock, or homemade or lowsodium store-bought chicken stock
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh curly- or flat-leaf parsley
1. Preheat oven to 325°. Cut 1 pound of the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds; spread them out in a large (5- to 6-quart) heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven. Layer half the onions on top of the potatoes.
2. Place lamb cubes on top of onions. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; season with pepper. Add the thyme. Place remaining onions on top of lamb. Add the stock and 1 cup water.
3. Place whole potatoes on top of onions. Sprinkle with remaining teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Cover with a tight-fitting lid; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Transfer to oven; cook, without stirring, 2 hours. Sprinkle with parsley.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
St. Patrick's Day Poems
St. Patrick's Green
by Bertha E. Bush
Oh, I love to see the shamrocks
Boys wear March seventeen,
And I love the girls' green ribbons,
And bits of evergreen;
For they stand for brave St. Patrick,
So fearless and so good -
Oh! the Irish ought to love him,
Just as everybody should!
*********************************************
The Lively Leprechaun
by Betsy Franco
I caught a lively leprechaun
With stubble on his face.
He promised loads of buried gold
And led me to the place.
But when I let him loose to dig,
He leaped and led a chase.
That lively laughing leprechaun
Had left without a trace
*************************************
Wearing of the Green
by Aileen Fisher
It ought to come in April,
or, better yet, in May
when everything is green as green-
I mean St. Patrick's Day.
With still a week of winter
this wearing of the green
seems rather out of season -
it's rushing things, I mean.
But maybe March is better
when all is done and said:
St. Patrick brings a promise,
a four-leaf-clover promise,
a green-all-over promise
of springtime just ahead!
*************************************
Don't Pinch
by Bruce Lansky
When I got on the school bus,
I was in for a surprise.
My friends all stared and pointed.
There was mischief in their eyes.
A kid who sat in front of me
reached out and pinched my knee.
My friends all started laughing,
but the joke was lost on me.
And then I got my second pinch.
I felt it on my ear.
And then I felt a third and fourth.
You guessed it--on my rear.
I asked, "Why are you pinching me?
I think it's very mean!"
They said, "Today's St. Patrick's Day
and you're not wearing green."
by Bertha E. Bush
Oh, I love to see the shamrocks
Boys wear March seventeen,
And I love the girls' green ribbons,
And bits of evergreen;
For they stand for brave St. Patrick,
So fearless and so good -
Oh! the Irish ought to love him,
Just as everybody should!
*********************************************
The Lively Leprechaun
by Betsy Franco
I caught a lively leprechaun
With stubble on his face.
He promised loads of buried gold
And led me to the place.
But when I let him loose to dig,
He leaped and led a chase.
That lively laughing leprechaun
Had left without a trace
*************************************
Wearing of the Green
by Aileen Fisher
It ought to come in April,
or, better yet, in May
when everything is green as green-
I mean St. Patrick's Day.
With still a week of winter
this wearing of the green
seems rather out of season -
it's rushing things, I mean.
But maybe March is better
when all is done and said:
St. Patrick brings a promise,
a four-leaf-clover promise,
a green-all-over promise
of springtime just ahead!
*************************************
Don't Pinch
by Bruce Lansky
When I got on the school bus,
I was in for a surprise.
My friends all stared and pointed.
There was mischief in their eyes.
A kid who sat in front of me
reached out and pinched my knee.
My friends all started laughing,
but the joke was lost on me.
And then I got my second pinch.
I felt it on my ear.
And then I felt a third and fourth.
You guessed it--on my rear.
I asked, "Why are you pinching me?
I think it's very mean!"
They said, "Today's St. Patrick's Day
and you're not wearing green."
Friday, February 16, 2007
St Patricks Day is really not that far off....spent the morning thinking of other things I would like to make and remembered this old green enamelware saucepan .....so I added a few thing and turned into a light.....it can be found on my website Two Old Crowsand wouldnt it make a wonderful gift for some Irish friend
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Shamrock Boutonniere
Saint Patrick would have approved of these little green accessories. According to popular legend, the fifth-century Christian missionary to “heathen” Ireland used a three-leaf clover to explain the Trinity. The shamrock later became the Irish national emblem, proudly worn on Saint Patrick's Day (March 17) to honor the Emerald Isle and its patron saint. This year, add a personal touch: Wear shamrocks of your own design.
Martha Stewart provides a template and directions on her website
Shamrock Boutonniere
Martha Stewart provides a template and directions on her website
Shamrock Boutonniere
Irish Soda Bread
Irish Soda Bread
Serves 4 to 6
Graham flour is coarser than regular whole-wheat flour, which also works. If you use the latter, substitute one-half cup wheat bran for one-half cup all-purpose flour.
Ingredients
3cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1cup whole-wheat graham flour
2 1/2teaspoons coarse salt
1teaspoon baking soda
1teaspoon baking powder
4tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 2/3cups buttermilk
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Whisk together the flours, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. With a pastry blender or your fingertips, blend in butter until it resembles small peas. Add buttermilk all at once; stir with a fork until mixture holds together.
2.In the bowl, pat the dough into a domeshaped loaf about 7 inches in diameter. Lift out dough; transfer to lined sheet.
3.Lightly dust top of loaf with flour. Cut a 3/4-inch-deep cross in top, reaching almost all the way to edges. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until deep golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
Serves 4 to 6
Graham flour is coarser than regular whole-wheat flour, which also works. If you use the latter, substitute one-half cup wheat bran for one-half cup all-purpose flour.
Ingredients
3cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1cup whole-wheat graham flour
2 1/2teaspoons coarse salt
1teaspoon baking soda
1teaspoon baking powder
4tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 2/3cups buttermilk
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Whisk together the flours, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. With a pastry blender or your fingertips, blend in butter until it resembles small peas. Add buttermilk all at once; stir with a fork until mixture holds together.
2.In the bowl, pat the dough into a domeshaped loaf about 7 inches in diameter. Lift out dough; transfer to lined sheet.
3.Lightly dust top of loaf with flour. Cut a 3/4-inch-deep cross in top, reaching almost all the way to edges. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until deep golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
Irish Blessings and Sayings
These would be wonderful to embroidery on muslin as gifts or to sell
Erin Go Bragh(Ireland Forever)
Go mbeannai Dia duit(May God Bless You)
As you slide down the banister of life,
may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!
— Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
— Irish Blessing
You never miss the water till the well has run dry. — Irish Proverb
Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread at all. — Irish Proverb
May you always haveWalls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you
,And all your heart might desire!
— Irish Proverb
Remember even if you loose all, keep your good name; for if you loose that you are worthless. — Irish Proverb
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.
— Irish Proverb
These things I warmly wish to you
—Someone to love
Some work to doA bit o' sun
A bit o' cheer
And a guardian angel always near.
— An Irish Blessing
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go. — Irish Blessing
'Tis better to buy a small bouquet
And give to your friend this very day,
Than a bushel of roses white and red
To lay on his coffin after he's dead.
— Irish Saying
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.
— Irish blessing
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
—Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
— Irish Saying
Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.
— Irish Proverb
May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future
.— Irish blessing
May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night,
— Irish Blessing
May you be inHeaven a half hour before theDevil knows you're dead!
— Irish Saying
May you have
A world of wishes at your command
God and His angels close at hand
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish blessings in your heart.
— Irish Blessing
May you live to be a hundred yearsWith one extra year to repent.
— Irish Saying
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book
— Irish proverb
May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland's faith and pride.May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.
— Irish Saying
The most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens.
— Irish proverb
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And Heaven is overflowing.
— Irish Blessing
You've got to do your own growing,no matter how tall your grandfather was. — Irish Proverb
To please himself only the cat purrs. — Irish Proverb
May those who love us, love us
And those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts
And if He will not turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping!
— Irish Saying
May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.
— Irish Blessing
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies, quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
-Irish Blessing
Erin Go Bragh(Ireland Forever)
Go mbeannai Dia duit(May God Bless You)
As you slide down the banister of life,
may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!
— Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
— Irish Blessing
You never miss the water till the well has run dry. — Irish Proverb
Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread at all. — Irish Proverb
May you always haveWalls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you
,And all your heart might desire!
— Irish Proverb
Remember even if you loose all, keep your good name; for if you loose that you are worthless. — Irish Proverb
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.
— Irish Proverb
These things I warmly wish to you
—Someone to love
Some work to doA bit o' sun
A bit o' cheer
And a guardian angel always near.
— An Irish Blessing
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go. — Irish Blessing
'Tis better to buy a small bouquet
And give to your friend this very day,
Than a bushel of roses white and red
To lay on his coffin after he's dead.
— Irish Saying
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.
— Irish blessing
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
—Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
— Irish Saying
Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.
— Irish Proverb
May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future
.— Irish blessing
May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night,
— Irish Blessing
May you be inHeaven a half hour before theDevil knows you're dead!
— Irish Saying
May you have
A world of wishes at your command
God and His angels close at hand
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish blessings in your heart.
— Irish Blessing
May you live to be a hundred yearsWith one extra year to repent.
— Irish Saying
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book
— Irish proverb
May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland's faith and pride.May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.
— Irish Saying
The most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens.
— Irish proverb
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
And Heaven is overflowing.
— Irish Blessing
You've got to do your own growing,no matter how tall your grandfather was. — Irish Proverb
To please himself only the cat purrs. — Irish Proverb
May those who love us, love us
And those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts
And if He will not turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles
So we will know them by their limping!
— Irish Saying
May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.
— Irish Blessing
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies, quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
-Irish Blessing
St Patricks Day Crafting
Ive been busy crafting for my website Two Old Crows most of today. This was so much fun to gather up the things. First I made some shamrocks out of homespun and muslin. These I embroidered with a buttonhole stitch around the edge and then on the muslin one embroidered Happy St Patricks Day. I had bought an old enamelware bowl at estate sale and thought the green and cream color were perfect for St Patricks Day to that I added an old green handle dough cutter and a vintage egg beater. The candlestick light with silicone bulb gives off a nice glow. These and more St Patrick Day items can be found on my website Two Old Crows so stop by and take a peek !
Kids Books for St. Patricks Day
I found this great list of childrens books on Kids Domain and what better way to spend time with your child than reading
Ages 4-8
Crafts for St. Patrick's Day
by Kathy Ross,
Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm
Twenty easy craft projects including a shamrock bird, leprechaun face mask, a shillelagh, a rainbow bracelet, and a pot of gold table decoration.
Daniel O'Rourke : An Irish Tale (Picture Puffins)
by Gerald McDermott
Join Daniel O'Rourke as he is whisked from a small brook to the moon and then to the sea.
An Irish Night before Christmas / a Leprechaun's St. Patrick's Day Audiocassetteby Sarah Kirwan Blazek
An Irish Night Before Christmas tells a satirical version of Father Christmas' yearly visit. A Leprechaun's St. Patrick Day is the day in the life of one family's celebration of the holiday on the Emerald Isle.
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato
by Tomie dePaolaLazy
Jamie O'Rourke doesn't lift a finger, even after his wife hurts her back digging the "praties" they depend on; but he does catch a leprechaun, who gives him a seed that grows into a potato so large that it takes the combined efforts of the village to dig it up and eat it.
Jeremy Bean's St. Patrick's Day
by Alice Shertle,
Illustrated by Linda Shute
Shy Jeremy Bean forgets, much as to his humiliation, to wear green to school for St. Patrick's Day.
Leprechaun Gold
by Teresa Bateman,
Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger
What happens when you save a leprechaun from drowning? He'll reward you with enough gold to last a lifetime! If you're Donald O'Dell, however, you'll refuse to take such a generous gift. What's a leprechaun to do but resort to matters of the heart to repay Donald for his heroic act.
A Leprechaun's St. Patrick's Day
by Sarah Kirwan Blazek,
Illustrated by James Rice
Five little leprechauns set out to make mischief for a rather large family during the St. Patrick's Day parade.
O'Sullivan Stew: A Tale Cooked Up in Ireland
by Hudson Talbott
The king's men take a beloved horse from an outcast witch but the Crookhaven community doesn't know what to do. Kate O'Sullivan, her two brothers and father take matters into their own hands, determined to return the horse to it's rightful owner. Unfortunately, they get caught trying to take the horse back and are sentenced to hang for their deeds. Kate cooks up a delicious story to save their lives.
Patrick : Patron Saint of Ireland
by Tomie De Paola, illustrated by Tomie dePaola
A brief, straight forward summary of the known facts about the saint's life.
The Ring of Truth : An Original Irish Tale
by Teresa Bateman,
Illustrated by Omar Rayyan
When Patrick O'Kelly brags that his blarney exceeds that of the king of the leprechauns he finds himself suddenly without the ability to fib, boast, exaggerate, embellish, or lie. How will he ever make his living as a salesman, much less win the county's blarney contest?
Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Patrick's Day Symbols
by Edna Barth,
Illustrated by Ursula Arndt
Who was St. Patrick? And what do leprechauns, shamrocks, shillelaghs, and reed pipes have to do with it? These questions and more are answered about this early spring holiday.
St. Patrick's Day
by Dorothy Rhodes Freeman
Describes the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day which honors the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
by Eve Bunting,
Illustrated by Jan Brett
Jamie is determined to prove that he's not too young to march in the big St. Patrick's Day parade.
Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk : An Irish Tale (Picture Puffins)
by Gerald McDermott
When the evil McGoons trick Tim O'Toole out of his fortune, he teams up with his benefactors, the Little People, to regain his treasure.
Ages 9-12
The End of the Rainbow: A Story about the Meaning of St. Patrick's Day
by Louise Mandrell
First a mysterious shamrock appears on Miss Wink's front door. Then Kate and Mickey find a sign on their new clubhouse: "The Green Shamrock Gang Was Here." Will the Dixon twins be able to solve this mystery?
Let's Celebrate St. Patrick's Day : A Book of Drawing Fun
by Pamela Johnson
A simple how-to-draw guide using St. Patrick's Day as its theme.
Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
by Steven Kroll, Illustrated by Michael Dooling"
In 1849, the potato famine forces Mary's family to leave their farm in Ireland and cross the ocean to settle in a basement room in New York City. Living in the drab surroundings, Mary dreams of the grand St. Patrick's Day parade, in which their local storekeeper, Mr. Finnegan, drives a gaily decorated horse-drawn cart. Mary can ride in the cart only if she finds a shamrock--an unlikely event, given the snow-covered ground. The appearance of a leprechaun finally helps her fulfill her dream."
The St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Mystery
by Marion M. Markham,
Illustrated by Karen A. Jerome
First a mysterious shamrock appears on Miss Wink's front door. Then Kate and Mickey find a sign on their new clubhouse: "The Green Shamrock Gang Was Here." Will the Dixon twins be able to solve this mystery?
Parent Helps
Book list contributed by Alecia Dixon and Nora McDermott
Ages 4-8
Crafts for St. Patrick's Day
by Kathy Ross,
Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm
Twenty easy craft projects including a shamrock bird, leprechaun face mask, a shillelagh, a rainbow bracelet, and a pot of gold table decoration.
Daniel O'Rourke : An Irish Tale (Picture Puffins)
by Gerald McDermott
Join Daniel O'Rourke as he is whisked from a small brook to the moon and then to the sea.
An Irish Night before Christmas / a Leprechaun's St. Patrick's Day Audiocassetteby Sarah Kirwan Blazek
An Irish Night Before Christmas tells a satirical version of Father Christmas' yearly visit. A Leprechaun's St. Patrick Day is the day in the life of one family's celebration of the holiday on the Emerald Isle.
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato
by Tomie dePaolaLazy
Jamie O'Rourke doesn't lift a finger, even after his wife hurts her back digging the "praties" they depend on; but he does catch a leprechaun, who gives him a seed that grows into a potato so large that it takes the combined efforts of the village to dig it up and eat it.
Jeremy Bean's St. Patrick's Day
by Alice Shertle,
Illustrated by Linda Shute
Shy Jeremy Bean forgets, much as to his humiliation, to wear green to school for St. Patrick's Day.
Leprechaun Gold
by Teresa Bateman,
Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger
What happens when you save a leprechaun from drowning? He'll reward you with enough gold to last a lifetime! If you're Donald O'Dell, however, you'll refuse to take such a generous gift. What's a leprechaun to do but resort to matters of the heart to repay Donald for his heroic act.
A Leprechaun's St. Patrick's Day
by Sarah Kirwan Blazek,
Illustrated by James Rice
Five little leprechauns set out to make mischief for a rather large family during the St. Patrick's Day parade.
O'Sullivan Stew: A Tale Cooked Up in Ireland
by Hudson Talbott
The king's men take a beloved horse from an outcast witch but the Crookhaven community doesn't know what to do. Kate O'Sullivan, her two brothers and father take matters into their own hands, determined to return the horse to it's rightful owner. Unfortunately, they get caught trying to take the horse back and are sentenced to hang for their deeds. Kate cooks up a delicious story to save their lives.
Patrick : Patron Saint of Ireland
by Tomie De Paola, illustrated by Tomie dePaola
A brief, straight forward summary of the known facts about the saint's life.
The Ring of Truth : An Original Irish Tale
by Teresa Bateman,
Illustrated by Omar Rayyan
When Patrick O'Kelly brags that his blarney exceeds that of the king of the leprechauns he finds himself suddenly without the ability to fib, boast, exaggerate, embellish, or lie. How will he ever make his living as a salesman, much less win the county's blarney contest?
Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Patrick's Day Symbols
by Edna Barth,
Illustrated by Ursula Arndt
Who was St. Patrick? And what do leprechauns, shamrocks, shillelaghs, and reed pipes have to do with it? These questions and more are answered about this early spring holiday.
St. Patrick's Day
by Dorothy Rhodes Freeman
Describes the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day which honors the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
by Eve Bunting,
Illustrated by Jan Brett
Jamie is determined to prove that he's not too young to march in the big St. Patrick's Day parade.
Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk : An Irish Tale (Picture Puffins)
by Gerald McDermott
When the evil McGoons trick Tim O'Toole out of his fortune, he teams up with his benefactors, the Little People, to regain his treasure.
Ages 9-12
The End of the Rainbow: A Story about the Meaning of St. Patrick's Day
by Louise Mandrell
First a mysterious shamrock appears on Miss Wink's front door. Then Kate and Mickey find a sign on their new clubhouse: "The Green Shamrock Gang Was Here." Will the Dixon twins be able to solve this mystery?
Let's Celebrate St. Patrick's Day : A Book of Drawing Fun
by Pamela Johnson
A simple how-to-draw guide using St. Patrick's Day as its theme.
Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
by Steven Kroll, Illustrated by Michael Dooling"
In 1849, the potato famine forces Mary's family to leave their farm in Ireland and cross the ocean to settle in a basement room in New York City. Living in the drab surroundings, Mary dreams of the grand St. Patrick's Day parade, in which their local storekeeper, Mr. Finnegan, drives a gaily decorated horse-drawn cart. Mary can ride in the cart only if she finds a shamrock--an unlikely event, given the snow-covered ground. The appearance of a leprechaun finally helps her fulfill her dream."
The St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Mystery
by Marion M. Markham,
Illustrated by Karen A. Jerome
First a mysterious shamrock appears on Miss Wink's front door. Then Kate and Mickey find a sign on their new clubhouse: "The Green Shamrock Gang Was Here." Will the Dixon twins be able to solve this mystery?
Parent Helps
Book list contributed by Alecia Dixon and Nora McDermott
A Day Spent Crafting
Ive had this pattern for a Raggedy Ann shelf sitter for quite some time and just never got around to making it.....its from Prim Raggs and didnt it turn out cute. This morning I was looking through my fabric stash and saw just a bit of the St Patrick Day print (sure wish I had bought more). I only had an eighth of a yard dont know what I was thinking but decided to go ahead and try and see what I could do with it and all in all I think it came out kind of cute. Ive added these to my website Two Old Crows in the St. Patrick section that we just added.
Shamrock Cookies
These wonderful cookies get their green color from the instant pistachio pudding mix so bake up a few with your little leprechauns !
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 1/3 cups baking mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon white sugar
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheet.
2. Cream together the butter or margarine and the pudding mix. Blend in the baking mix, egg and sugar and mix well.
3. On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 3/8 inch thickness and cut into cookies with a shamrock cookie cutter.
4. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges. Let cookies cool on rack. Frost with green colored icing if desired
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
1 1/3 cups baking mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon white sugar
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheet.
2. Cream together the butter or margarine and the pudding mix. Blend in the baking mix, egg and sugar and mix well.
3. On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 3/8 inch thickness and cut into cookies with a shamrock cookie cutter.
4. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges. Let cookies cool on rack. Frost with green colored icing if desired
St Patricks Day History
Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in the late fourth century, and is often confused with Palladius, a bishop who was sent by Pope Celestine in 431 to be the first bishop to the Irish believers in Christ.Saint Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland. Most of what is known about him comes from his two works, the Confessio, a spiritual autobiography, and his Epistola, a denunciation of British mistreatment of Irish christians. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God."Saint Patrick is most known for driving the snakes from Ireland. It is true there are no snakes in Ireland, but there probably never have been - the island was separated from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age. As in many old pagan religions, serpent symbols were common and often worshipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland was probably symbolic of putting an end to that pagan practice. While not the first to bring christianity to Ireland, it is Patrick who is said to have encountered the Druids at Tara and abolished their pagan rites. The story holds that he converted the warrior chiefs and princes, baptizing them and thousands of their subjects in the "Holy Wells" that still bear this name.There are several accounts of Saint Patrick's death. One says that Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on March 17, 460 A.D. His jawbone was preserved in a silver shrine and was often requested in times of childbirth, epileptic fits, and as a preservative against the "evil eye." Another account says that St. Patrick ended his days at Glastonbury, England and was buried there. The Chapel of St. Patrick still exists as part of Glastonbury Abbey. Today, many Catholic places of worship all around the world are named after St. Patrick, including cathedrals in New York and Dublin cityWhy Saint Patrick's Day?Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.
So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.
In American cities with a large Irish population, St. Patrick's Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!
So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.
In American cities with a large Irish population, St. Patrick's Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Welcome
Welcome to Two Old Crows St Patricks Day Blog where we will be sharing information about St Patricks Day. St Patricks Day can be so much fun and we just want to share some ideas we have found . If you have anything you would like to share feel free to email Debbie at debbie@2oldcrows.com and mark the email St Patricks Day Blog.
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