St. Patty Cakes

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone! But before we proceed, let us remember why we commemorate this day...

St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland and has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.

Pat was born in Roman Britain in the 4th century (and we all thought he was full blown Irish?). At 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. According to his Confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. When he returned, he joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to be a priest.

Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people (very practical for visual learners such as myself). After 30 years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461. Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church.

Originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue (who would have known?). Over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century and still hold to this day!

Cheers to Wikipedia, Pat's services, and to you all! May your day be filled with green ribbons and shamrocks. And green beer ;)