Saint Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland. Today, it has transformed into an international celebration, bringing together Irishmen and the Irish-at-heart from all over the world for a day filled with Irish food, music, and of course, an excessive amount of… green.
If you are interested in participating in the festivities like a true Irishman, we have a few simple tips for how you can blend in with the locals in Foxbank Plantation in Moncks Corner.
As any Irishman will tell you, knowledge is key. Learn the history of this holiday, as well as the meaning behind its traditions. After all, did you know that the shamrock was originally used as a metaphor for the Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
There is also a myth about the the four-leaf clover. Legend has it that if you find one, you can make a wish on it. Or, you can cast a love spell by thinking of someone while swallowing it. Legend also says that if you tuck a four-leaf clover in the heel of your left shoe that you will marry the first person who enters the room – but that one seems a bit too risky for us.
To truly fit in, try to learn a few key Irish words and phrases:
- “What’s the craic?” – This is another way of saying, ‘what’s up?’ or ‘how’s it going?’
- “Grand” – This is a common way for locals to say ‘fine’ or ‘great,’ either as an honest answer or a sarcastic one
- “Eejit” – Another word for ‘idiot,’ this word is often used in jest or as playful teasing among friends
- “Beannachta ha File Pdraig oraibh” – If you can figure out how to pronounce it, this phrase means ‘Saint Patrick’s Day blessing upon you’
While green plays a huge role in Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, you won’t find a lot of Irishmen donning green from head to toe. Instead, they will generally wear a small splash of green. If you want to be really traditional, wear a small collection of shamrocks on your shirt – and fasten them together with a clothes pin.
Last, but certainly not least, fill up on traditional Irish cuisine. Corned beef, cabbage and lamb stew, bangers and mash, boiled ham and cabbage, Shepard’s Pie, and black pudding will all help you get into the Irish spirit. When it comes to refreshments, skip the green beer for a pint of Guinness – a popular Irish dry stout that originated in Dublin.
Now that you know how to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day like an Irishman, it is time to decide where you want to celebrate. Keep these helpful tips in mind as you take part in one of the many St. Patrick’s Day events happening around our community:
