Few holidays are celebrated more passionately than St. Patrick’s Day. Irish or not, March 17th seems to bring out more green clad people than any other excuse for Americans to fill the local pubs. Here are a few facts mixed with some legends that have become part of our tradition:
- There was a St. Patrick, although he was born British, but went to Ireland to preach Christianity in about 432 AD.
- Soon after his death, in 461 AD, Ireland celebrated his life by naming a special day in his behalf.
- Soon the British and Scottish joined in the annual recognition of this saint.
- From this point forward, legend and history share very little common ground. Some say St. Patrick used the shamrock, a three leaf plant, to symbolize the Holy Trinity in his teachings. History doesn’t back this up.
- Green was not the color in the original celebrations. It was blue. The shamrock story may have helped to change the color change.
- Few of the foods we associate with St. Patrick’s Day were common to Ireland. Lamb, fish and mutton was the fare of the day.
- Somewhere along the line leprechauns, green derby hats and green drinks became part of the mix.
- However, history shows that St. Patrick’s Day always started with mass in the morning and a feast and celebration for the rest of the day. Americans at least have carried on the celebratory regimen by partying all day!!
Backwaters and Maggie Mae’s (both locations) will celebrate with our own Americanized versions of the feasting. Chef Mark at Backwater’s will be slow cooking corned beef briskets for Corned Beef and Cabbage to go along with Shepherd’s Pie for dinner.
At both Maggie’s locations, we will have Corned Beef and Cabbage for lunch along with Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches that melt in your mouth! For breakfast you will find our now legendary house made Corned Beef Hash.
For some adult green refreshments to celebrate St. Patrick’s life, try Backwater’s Happy Hour from 2 to 7 PM. We try to maintain this “Irish” tradition.
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