Guest Author - Linda J. Paul
What does the leprechaun have to do with St. Patrick? Well, the leprechaun is actually one of the fairies of ancient Irish mythology. He was feared because he hid from human view, but he was also revered because of his riches - in the form of a pot of gold. The leprechaun was later adopted by St. Patrick as a symbol of God. Like the leprechaun, Patrick noted that God remains hidden from view, is to be feared, and also has great riches for those who can find Him. Because the Irish believed that the leprechaun used the rich green countryside to conceal himself, the color green became associated with him as well as with all things that have to do with St. Patrick.
Drinking of beer, green and otherwise is definitely part of the rituals involved with this holiday. There is more beer consumed in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day that there is on any other day of the year. This may well be because of St. Patrick’s Pagan based practice of honoring Brigid with “poteen,” which is an Irish beer made from potatoes. St. Patrick, by the way, is also credited as bringing the art of distillery to Ireland.
As far as green beer goes, it wasn’t until the Irish settled in Boston, and faced immense discrimination that they chose to show their Irish pride by using the color green for all things Irish. Thus began the all American traditions of green beer and the wearing of the green. The reason people began to pinch those who did not wear green on St. Patrick’s Day was as a reminder that leprechauns would sneak up and pinch those who could be seen on this day. In order to remain hidden, one must wear green, and thus avoid a pinching.
Blarney is also associated with St. Patrick’s Day. One usually starts to spout blarney after having one too many green beers. The word blarney however actually originates from the Blarney Stone, a large stone located in an 18 foot thick wall of the Blarney Castle Tower in Blarney, Ireland. The Castle was originally built in 1446 to protect the Irish villagers during attacks by the English Army. Legend has it that an old woman cast a magical spell upon the stone, after a King saved her from drowning in the moat surrounding the castle. The magical spell was the gift of persuasive eloquence or blarney. This gift was imparted to the King whenever he would kiss the stone. Today, tourists may still visit the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, and gain persuasive eloquence. Scholars of Irish history believe the Blarney Stone came to be associated with St. Patrick because of his eloquence.
St. Patrick’s Day has many fascinating traditions, both Pagan and Christian. The most amazing story of all though, is that of one man’s ability to bring together two very different spiritual beliefs, and merge them into a very powerful tradition. Powerful enough, in fact, that it has found it’s way into the western world as a much loved and honored day. It is also a day that reminds the Irish of their history, and the blending of their roots.
So, here’s to leprechauns, snakes, blarney and green beer. Bottoms up!!
Love and Light..
