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Mar 17, 2008 7:58 am US/Central
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St. Patrick's Day Brings Out The Irish In Everyone
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
By now, many people have lifted a glass to the patron saint of Ireland, for today is the day when everyone has a bit of Irish ancestry. You might be surprised to know that roughly 30 million Americans claim an to have an Irishman or woman in his or her background.
There are only 4 million Irish living in Ireland!
Up until the last 30 years or so, St. Patrick's Day was not much to celebrate in Ireland. The holiday was actually celebrated as a religious holiday. Even the famous pubs of Ireland were not allowed to open their doors for thirsty countrymen. No Blarney! It was a time to attend church, then enjoy the traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. The church suspended the eating of meat during Lent just for the holiday.
St. Patrick is the patron saint of the Emerald Isle, but he was not even Irish! The best anyone can determine, he was probably born somewhere in the north or west of Great Britain.
He was brought to Ireland as a slave while still a teenager. After six years, he escaped to Europe, roamed the continent, returned to Britain, then felt the calling of the church. He became a monk, then returned to Ireland to bring Christianity to the people.
So, enjoy the "wearin' of the green" and remember, wherever your travels may take you today, the luck of the Irish will be with you.
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