St. Patrick's Day is, without exception, one of the important and treasured festivals of all. St. Patrick himself was Ireland's ultimate 'activist', universally recognised for bringing Christianity to the shores of the 'Emerald Island' and to the hearts of its people: a true Irish hero respected all over the world, even today. St. Patrick's Day festivities usually begin with a pilgrimage to a chapel, or some other sacred place, and ends with a good old Irish knees-up, one that includes lots of food, drink, music and dance.
What I find most fascinating about St. Patrick's Day, apart from the food, music and general festivities, is its association to 'luck', and 'good luck' at that. Let's have a look at the three main traditions which are said to bring about this good blessing:
Wear green: The colour green has come to represent Ireland and all things Irish over the years, just as red represents Wales, blue - England and tartan - Scotland. With many Irish people dressing in green to show their patriotism, along with the imagery of shamrocks and the allusion to the beginning of spring; you can see how this colour has become instilled in Irish history and culture.
2. Find a four-leaf clover: The Druids thought that a four-leaf clover could help in identifying witches or other demons, whilst others believed that it was a symbol of good fortune. Some contemporary spiritualists, on the other hand, claim that a four-leaf clover releases energy and helps one's decision-making. Normally, the clover plant produces the familiar "segmented" leaf as we know it with three distinguished parts. However, botanists believe that if a young clover leaf is damaged or exposed to certain chemicals, then it produces a four-leaf clover. It is the four-leaf clover which is said to bring luck.
3. "Kiss the Blarney Stone": This well-known stone is set in one of the walls in the tower of the Blarney Castle; a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork in Ireland, alongside the River Martin. Legend has it that by 'kissing the Blarney Stone', the kisser will be rewarded with the 'gift of the gab'. Basically, you'll at once become very talkative, very confident and able to spread 'blarney'. To be able to kiss the stone, you must dangle yourself from a position by which, if you fell, you would ultimately meet your end.
If you are looking for somewhere to revel in the Irish-ness of St. Patrick's Day, you really should head on down to London's infamous private member's club, Home House. Party in style with Black Velvet, Irish coffee, Guinness Punch, and of course Guinness itself! Whilst Irish music will provide the perfect backdrop to your special 'green' evening.
What I find most fascinating about St. Patrick's Day, apart from the food, music and general festivities, is its association to 'luck', and 'good luck' at that. Let's have a look at the three main traditions which are said to bring about this good blessing:
Wear green: The colour green has come to represent Ireland and all things Irish over the years, just as red represents Wales, blue - England and tartan - Scotland. With many Irish people dressing in green to show their patriotism, along with the imagery of shamrocks and the allusion to the beginning of spring; you can see how this colour has become instilled in Irish history and culture.
2. Find a four-leaf clover: The Druids thought that a four-leaf clover could help in identifying witches or other demons, whilst others believed that it was a symbol of good fortune. Some contemporary spiritualists, on the other hand, claim that a four-leaf clover releases energy and helps one's decision-making. Normally, the clover plant produces the familiar "segmented" leaf as we know it with three distinguished parts. However, botanists believe that if a young clover leaf is damaged or exposed to certain chemicals, then it produces a four-leaf clover. It is the four-leaf clover which is said to bring luck.
3. "Kiss the Blarney Stone": This well-known stone is set in one of the walls in the tower of the Blarney Castle; a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork in Ireland, alongside the River Martin. Legend has it that by 'kissing the Blarney Stone', the kisser will be rewarded with the 'gift of the gab'. Basically, you'll at once become very talkative, very confident and able to spread 'blarney'. To be able to kiss the stone, you must dangle yourself from a position by which, if you fell, you would ultimately meet your end.
If you are looking for somewhere to revel in the Irish-ness of St. Patrick's Day, you really should head on down to London's infamous private member's club, Home House. Party in style with Black Velvet, Irish coffee, Guinness Punch, and of course Guinness itself! Whilst Irish music will provide the perfect backdrop to your special 'green' evening.
About the Author:
Home House is a private members clubs for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other private country clubs, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is London's top st patricks day party.
No comments:
Post a Comment