So as we celebrate green, the first interesting fact we're choosing to share:
The actual color of St. Patrick is BLUE. GREEN became associated with St. Patrick's Day during the 19th century. Green, in Irish legends, was worn by fairies and immortals, and also by people to encourage their crops to grow. (Sounds a bit -- or maybe even a whole lot superstitious to me -- but a fun fact none-the-less.)
In Chicago the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day (with green vegetable dye).
Lucky Charms, a favorite cereal brand among many, young and old, was created in 1963, with its popular mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun. Its jig is a memorable tune for many, including the young at heart.
Hearts, Stars, and Horseshoes
Clovers and Blue moons
Pots of gold and rainbows,
And the red balloon
That's the luck of me lucky charms!
Their magically delicious!
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14.
The harp is the symbol of Ireland. The color green is also commonly associated with Ireland, also known as "The Emerald Isle."
On a more serious note:
After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice -- which he believed to be God's -- spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland. To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. (Anyone else agree this many seriously could have used some reflexology?)
Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each or us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission.
We learned these facts by visiting the websites below. Be sure to check them out for yourself to learn more about this man's fascinating life and the land where he lived.
www.kaboose.com (check under holidays and St. Patrick)
Photo credit: www.canstockphoto.com
