Oh woe betide the Ides of March...
St. Patrick is an enigmatic figure who is credited in legend with chasing the "Snakes" from Ireland. He is believed to have existed during the latter years of the Roman Empire. Post-glacial Ireland didn't have snakes. It is believed that the 'Snakes' were the Druids or perhaps the followers of Pelagianism. (A doctrine that didn't believe in Original Sin, and used serpents as symbols of their belief)
He's not really canonized as a Saint by the Catholic church, but he's recognized as the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Being a Pagan, I don't celebrate St. Patrick's day because I don't like what he did. I'm more on the side with the snakes. On March 17th, I wear snakes as jewelry or on clothing and lots of red. I've been doing this for years. When asked, I explain my position. Most people say, "Wow, that's interesting. I didn't know that." I use the day mostly as festivity to celebrate Irish heritage, which I have from my mom's side of the family. Or to go out to bars -- Gotta love the fun part of the holiday. Though green beer is still as nasty as regular beer. :-P
I tend to treat it kind of like Christmas, really. I don't celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas, just the celebratory time spent with friends and family. So, I don't mind getting wished "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" because I know it's just a polite and fun thing to say. I won't say it back, but please don't take that personally.
Slainte, everyone! ('cheers'or 'good health' in Irish Gaelic)
He's not really canonized as a Saint by the Catholic church, but he's recognized as the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Being a Pagan, I don't celebrate St. Patrick's day because I don't like what he did. I'm more on the side with the snakes. On March 17th, I wear snakes as jewelry or on clothing and lots of red. I've been doing this for years. When asked, I explain my position. Most people say, "Wow, that's interesting. I didn't know that." I use the day mostly as festivity to celebrate Irish heritage, which I have from my mom's side of the family. Or to go out to bars -- Gotta love the fun part of the holiday. Though green beer is still as nasty as regular beer. :-P
I tend to treat it kind of like Christmas, really. I don't celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas, just the celebratory time spent with friends and family. So, I don't mind getting wished "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" because I know it's just a polite and fun thing to say. I won't say it back, but please don't take that personally.
Slainte, everyone! ('cheers'or 'good health' in Irish Gaelic)