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St. Patrick's Day
Celebrations
By Mary Emma Allen
"Top o' the mornin' to you"
is a greeting for St. Patrick's Day, March
17. And the wearing of the green is traditional for this day,
too.
As youngsters going to a one-room country school, my sister, brothers
and I wore a bit of green even though we weren't Irish. When we
arrived
at school, we'd check to see if anyone else had forgotten to observe
this
tradition.
The hired man on our farm was of Irish descent. Dan always wore
a small
green bow on his blue and white striped work cap. Mother
prepared Irish
recipes for the meals that day, and tried to include Dan's favorites.
Origin of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day originated in Ireland to commemorate Bishop Patrick,
an Irish patron saint. He journeyed from England to spread
Christianity
among the inhabitants of the Emerald Isle.
This celebration became traditional in our country among the Irish
immigrants, many of whom came here during the potato famines.
Nowadays, parades, banquets, and church services often commemorate
this
day.
Traditional Foods
Corned beef and cabbage, boiled shoulder or ham with cabbage and of
course served with potatoes form the menu in many homes and
restaurants
on March 17. Then you'll find Irish soda bread, scones, potatoes and eggs, or
potatoes and fish may complete the meal.
(c)Mary Emma
Allen Mary Emma Allen is a columnist, journalist,
children's author and book
author. She also edits three newsletters and teaches
writing workshops.
For more information about her writing and her "Country
Kitchen" food
column, check out her web site:
http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea;
E-mail:
me.allen@juno.com |
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His Legend
bishop, missionary (c. 389-461)
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day for many folks in our era means hearty
festivities, the wearing o' the green, and lots of luck o' the Irish.
We all know, however, that there is a much more to the day than meets
the eye.
A
Taste of Ireland: Coffee and Tea Delights
Get your blood flowing with some stout Irish treats! All of these
recipes make great gifts or desserts for a special get together. Just
keep them away from the kids- most of these recipes contain a touch o'
whiskey!
A
Taste of Ireland: Homemade Irish Cream Goodies
Take your taste buds to Ireland without leaving home! Enjoy these
delicious homemade treats by making the basic Irish Cream first, then
use it in any of the recipes that follow. Of course, it's always great
in your coffee too!
Irish
Cuisine for St. Patrick's Day
Whether you are Irish or not, it's fun to celebrate with those us who
are by serving Irish fare on St. Patrick's Day. Irish cooking is
traditionally hearty and simple, reflecting the way of life most Irish
folk lived in the past, and still today.
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