Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  In the US there are parades, and everyone is considered Irish for the day.  And yes, in some pockets of the country you'll still find pictures of Leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows.  To be sure despite political correctness, there will be some pinching of another is not wearing green. Oh, yes, how many will be eating corned beef and cabbage today?  What about the green beers, and the Irish ales and whisky's to be had?  Truly this is an American holiday! 

After 1720 C.E. there was a steady stream of Irish immigrants to the American colonies/United States creating an Irish diaspora.  In Boston, a major port for the colonies, a gathering of Irish immigrants grew, both of Presbyterian and Catholic background.  Many of the colonies were originally settled by English immigrants, so the Irish settlers found it important to rally together against penal laws prohibiting the freedom of religion and economic opportunities.  Together in a new land, how the similarity of speech and culture must have also been a comfort.  In 1737 the Charitable Irish Society was founded to assist those immigrating to North America, specifically Boston, Massachusetts. In other areas throughout the colonies similar Irish support groups, like the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Hibernian Society, were formed.   They brought with them their charity toward others, especially those in need, and their shared faith, especially in Ireland's Patron Saint, St. Patrick.

At the time of the Revolutionary War, there were so many Irish immigrants fighting for the Colonies that General George Washington (who would be our first president), during the bleak winter at Morristown (1778-9) called for a day of rest and merriment so that everyone could be in solidarity with the Irish colonists in celebrating their heritage and patron saint, while at the same time boost morale. (See History.com).   Thus this simple feast to commemorate one homeland, became an American holiday lasting through the present.  We are all sojourners and through our solidarity we seek solace together through this shared tradition.

So, in the tradition of Irish Blessings,

May love and laughter light your days and

warm your hearts and home.