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St. Patrick, A True Irish Legend

Updated on May 22, 2013

Lets see how Irish you really are...

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How well do you know Saint Patrick?

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Saint Patrick 385 - 421

Source

Legend and Lore of Saint Patrick

Legend portrays Saint Patrick as being on a 40 day fast when he banished all snakes/serpents from the Isle of Ireland. Based on all known scientific evidence, post glacial Ireland never had snakes. Neither did New Zealand, Iceland, Greenland or Antarctica. It was virtually impossible for snakes to travel across the ocean from Scotland or Britain to make a home of Ireland. It is possible that the banishing of the snakes lore is a metaphor as the serpent was a symbol of the pagan Druids.

The shamrock, as legend has it, was used by Saint Patrick as a parable to identify the Holy Trinity, the basis of Christianity, of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For this reason, the shamrock has become a distinctive symbol of the modern day celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. The pagans, however, also saw the shamrock as sacred because of its green color and three leaves representing rebirth and eternal life. Also, the number three was a sacred number in the pagan religion in ancient Ireland.

Regardless, the beloved Saint Patrick is responsible for bringing the Christian religion to Ireland.

Source

A short bio of Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was born approximately 385 AD, and died approximately 421 AD. His birth place has been debated for centuries. Some say he was born in Roman controlled Britain, Scotland or Wales. When he was young, he was kidnapped from Wales by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland to be sold into slavery. He was only 16 years old. However, at the age of 22 he escaped Ireland and was reunited with his family.

Several years later, he did return to Ireland as an ordained Bishop, sent by Pope Celestine I after he joined the Catholic Church. He was the first Bishop assigned to Ireland. He was later promoted to Patron Saint of Ireland. The native Druids saw Saint Patrick and other Christian Missionaries as a threat. Saint Patrick was beaten and robbed of all he had.

One Druid prophecy reads:

“Across the sea will come Adze-head, crazed in the head, his cloak with hole for the head, his stick bent in the head. He will chant impieties from a table in the front of his house; all his people will answer, “so be it, so be it.” *Per Wikipedia

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CC:  Jean-no via Wikimedia Commons
CC: Jean-no via Wikimedia Commons | Source

I hope you found this interesting and have developed a new reason to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year. There is obviously much more to it than green beer and funny hats. Have a happy and safe Irish, Christian holiday!

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm 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.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

As always, I certainly hope this was helpful.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan

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