Happy St Patrick’s Day to all those that are Irish and to all of those who wish they were. March 17 is the annual feast day that celebrates Saint Patrick (AD 385-461) the most commonly recognized of all the patron saints. In Ireland it is a nationally recognized holiday, in the US merely a good excuse for a party. So in my pseudo role of the ultimate party planner here are some suggestions to make your March 17 the best one ever!
There has been some concern about the secularization of the holiday. Writing in The Word magazines March 2007 issue, Father Twomey stated, “it is time to reclaim St Patrick’s Day as a church festival.” He has questioned the need for “mindless alcohol-fuelled revelry” and concluded “it is time to bring the piety and the fun together.” That said and acknowledging the guy has a good point because really the crux of the holiday is about a religious leader and not beer, its still okay to have some fun too. In my research I wasn’t really able to determine who to name, er..blame, for the transition from saint to sinner. Does anyone really care at this point?
A. Refuse to speak plain English for the day. Instead resort to your best fake Irish accent. Bone up on their colloquialisms: tired=knackered, fun or lively conversation=crack/craic, drunk=sizzled, scuttered or in the horrors.
B. Dress like Father Flanagan from “Boys Town” or at the very least, Bing Crosby.
C. Fill your pockets with one shot servings of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey, drink at your discretion
D. Blast a Brian Boru Bagpipe Band CD from your car stereo
E. Only answer to the name of “Paddy” or “Maura”
F. Cross yourself at the end of every sentence.
G. Invite strangers to kiss your Blarney Stone
H. Offer to show off your Irish dancing skills and then proceed to hop wildly about the room.
I. Call your Dad “Da” for the day.
J. Watch at least one Irish movie: “In the Name of the Father”, “The Quiet Man”, “Angela’s Ashes” are good suggestions. Avoid the “Leprechaun” series at all costs. Speaking of Lerprechauns…Beware! They are everywhere. They usually take the form of an older man who enjoys partaking in mischief. Don’t they all? Alas, there are no female versions in Irish folklore.
K. Wear something green
L. Eat something green. You just might like Green Eggs and Ham!
M. Practice singing “Danny Boy” because if you go out on St Patrick’s and you drink, it is a requirement that you sing this song…. “Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling…”