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St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, was born in Wales, around AD 385.  As a pagan, at the age of 16, he was sold into slavery by a band of Irish marauders who invaded his village.  After his escape from slavery, he fled to a monastery to study the ministry under the guidance of Bishop St. Germain, of Auxerre, for twelve years.  Realizing that his calling in life was to convert the Pagans to Christianity, he became quite successful in his mission.  Of course, this upset the Celtic Druids immensely, and Patrick was arrested numerous times, though each time he escaped.  Eventually, he was appointed to Second Bishop of Ireland and he traveled all throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries around the country.  His mission commenced for 30 years, until he finally retired.  He passed away on March 17, in 461 AD.  St. Patrick's Day has been commemorated on that day every since. 
Blarney Clips:
The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year that St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in this country, in Boston. 
History of St. Patricks Day
History of The Celts
The traditional representation of St. Patrick's Day, the Shamrock, is said to derive from an Irish tale that tells how Patrick explained the Trinity in his sermons.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost could all exist as seperate elements of the same entity.
Celtic Nations
Official Ireland Website
Blarney referrs to a person's "gift to gab".
The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the Blarney Castle tower, in the Irish village of Blarney.  Kissing the stone is supposed to give the kisser the gift of persuasive eloquence (blarney). The legend of the Blarney Stone's magical properties began when an old woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who had saved her from drowning.  Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly.  Unfortuanely for most, the location of the stone is not easily accessible.
An Irish Poem:
Near a misty stream in Ireland, near the hollow of a tree
Live mystical, magical Leprechauns
who are clever as can be
With their pointed ears and turned up toes and
little coats of green
The leprechauns busily make their shoes and
try hard not to be seen
Only those who really believe have seen these
little elves
And if we all are believers
We can surely see for ourselves.
An Irish Prayer:
"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."
Famous Irish Quotes:
"A man takes a drink; the drink takes a drink; the drink takes the man".
"Whiskey was invented so that the Irish wouldn't rule the world".
"The devil invented Scotch whiskey to make the Irish poor."
"Morning is the time to pity the sober. The way they are feeling then, is the best they will feel all day".
"Before you call for "one for the road" be sure you know the road".
"The truth comes out when the spirit goes in".
Midi music is "Irish Eyes", provided by All Holidays Music.
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