Happy St. Patrick’s Day guys! Are you going to the NYC parade today? I never really understood what St. Patrick’s day was about besides the color green, leprechauns, the irish folks, beer, and anti-gay controversy….so I took a quick look at wikipedia.
New York City has the largest Saint Patrick’s Day in the world. On average, 150, 000 marchers participate. There are social and cultural groups, politicians, firefighters, emigrant societies, bands, military and police groups, and about 2 million spectators lining the streets. It is a 1.5 mile march that travels along 5th Avenue in Manhattan, and takes 5 hours! It is always led by the U.S. 69th Infantry Regiment. The Commissioner of the parade always asks the Commanding Officer if the 69th is ready, the traditional response is “The 69th is always ready.” Cool. I would have never known this because I am usually too busy complaining that the green parade is interfering with my television show.
It started as a yearly Catholic based holiday, named after one of the most recognized patron saints of Ireland, but has since become a celebration of Irish culture. Kinda like how churchy Christmas became more fun.
Mr. Saint Patrick was born into a wealthy family in Roman Britain, who were very into the church, and when he was 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold into slavery. Like a cop raid, except they confiscate the Irish. Very a’la Joan of Arc, he heard “God” speak to him and tell him to flee back to Britain. He immediately started studying to be a priest, then traveled around as a bishop, spreading his word. Eventually he “saved” the Irish by converting royalty, the rich fancy people, and the poor to Irish Christianity.
He used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Amen).
The original color associated with Mr. Saint Pat was blue, but I guess the shamrock made the people prefer green. Makes more sense to me too.
Well on to the non-historical part:
The Most Ridiculous Things Dyed Green For St. Patrick’s Day (PHOTOS).
To purchase Gay-Ish shirt, click HERE.
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