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 A quote from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, says, 'Let the saints be joyful with glory: let them rejoice in their beds.' What a superb way of describing the saints as having a bit of a ‘shut-eye’ in their after-life! And what better than one of the more important of them, Patrick, by name,(patron saint of Ireland), who died on March 17th, 460AD.
In a 17th century play of Thomas Dekker, there's this reference to St Patrick: 'Why, then, should all your chimney-sweepers be Irishmen?’ 'Faith, that's soon answered, for St Patrick, you know, keeps purgatory; he makes the fire, and his countrymen could do nothing if they cannot sweep chimneys.'
Whether that's so or not, I wouldn't like to say.
In recent times, St Patrick's Day has become a national holiday, for example, in Ireland itself, as well as in Montserrat in the Caribbean, where many were Irish, and also in the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In Ireland almost all businesses close on March 17th, and, in towns, parades and festivities are organized, with folk and military bands, street theatre and carnivals.
In Dublin, a five day and night annual party takes place around St Patrick's day, much of it outdoors and free!
Huge numbers of Irish emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries, taking their traditions and culture with them. Towns and cities all over the world celebrate St Patrick's Day with parades, 'the wearing of the green, music, song, Irish dancing and beer!
You'll find celebrations in almost every American state, and people, Irish or not, participate in the New York parade, with up to two million spectators lining the streets. You can join in an Irish pub crawl in Rome, celebrate all things Irish in Tokyo, and enjoy parades in Munich, Sydney,Johannesburg and London, to mention just a few. So, whether you're Irish, or just want to be Irish for the day - La fheile padraig!
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