St Patrick (Apostle of Ireland ) banishes snakes from Ireland. The patron saint of Ireland. Vector illustration

Hang onto your green beer and rascal revelry as we walk through a few of this day’s most famous legends.

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and with it, a host of traditions, myths, and rowdy festivities. Though it was a far cry from the American traditions we see today, filled with green beer, debauchery and everyone asking for a kiss, the practice of celebrating Saint Patrick began in 1631, when the Christian church held a feast day honoring the Patron Saint of Ireland. This first St. Patrick’s day was held on the alleged day of his death, March 17th (St Patrick likely died on this day in the the 5th century).

Here are a few well-known legends to get us all in the spirit. See you at Murphy’s this Friday, Wallyhood!

Legend: St. Patrick was Irish: “Patrick” was not Irish. He was born in Britain to a Roman family and at age 16, he was kidnapped and enslaved by Irish raiders. After 7 years in Ireland, he escaped and made it back to his family, only to return to Ireland as a missionary, working to Christianize the Irish.

Legend: St. Patrick was named Patrick: Originally a Roman citizen born by the name of Maewyn Succat, he changed his name to Patricius, the Latin term for “father figure,” after becoming a priest.

Legend: Shamrocks: Legend has it that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the holy trinity to non-believers — citing the three leaves and one stem as a reference to the idea of father, son and holy spirit in one divine team.

Legend: Snakes: As I first learned in 1993 by watching an episode of the Simpsons called Whacking Day, it is said that St. Patrick drove the snakes our of Ireland. A compelling story that has been refuted by scientists who quash this legend based on the climate (water and ice) and the known fossils, making it unlikely Ireland even had snakes during St. Patrick’s residence on Earth.

Legend: Leprechauns: Irish folklore is flush with fairies and the leprechaun is a specific sort of crotchety fairy in the form of an old man with a green or red coat, cocked hat pointed shoes and pot of gold. Legends tell us that the leprechaun fairies were water fairies trying to drown humans, then later that they were tiny cobblers, excellent at hiding and making mischief. Landing somewhere between good and evil, some think a leprechaun will grant you three wishes…if you can catch it (though it may try to kill you first)!

Legend: Raising the Dead: St. Patrick is rumored to have raised 33 people from the dead, though it seems, he may have been the one to start this rumor, as the writings about this all came from St. Patrick himself.

Get a pint and a pin at Murphy’s Pub!

Our own slice of Ireland right here in Wallingford, Murphy’s Pub will be doing their part to celebrate the patron Saint of Ireland. As Seattle’s first Irish Pub, this is the place to be and Wallyhood just heard some great news — Murphy’s just signed a new 3 year lease with the option to extend 3 more! So while you are there washing your Irish breakfast down with a pint of Guinness, give someone a big kiss in celebration!

Friday, March 17th:

Open at 9:00am – Music starts at 12:00pm and goes all day
$10 cover at the door – wristbands for $10 that allow you to cut the line and are on sale now!
Pins will be given away while they last