St. Patrick's Day Ushers in Spring

Beyond The Pot Of Gold.

March 17, 2016
Spring is in bloom in Ireland. The fiery sun hangs low in the evening as it bids each day goodnight; blades of grass dressed in their floral formals pop up for a breezy dance; and the rich golden gorse lights up the Irish landscape filling the air with its sweet aroma. The change comes subtly, but on March 17th, St Patrick's Day is a global invitation to celebrate Spring. On St Patrick's day, a universal claiming of Irish heritage takes place as patrons around the world don their greens, join their parades and fill their pints with dark Irish stout. We asked Crafted Ireland's Accounts Executive, Niamh McCarthy about her favourite Paddy's day traditions. Here's what she told us:

"I love St Patrick's Day!  Regardless of what the weather is like on the day, St Patrick's Day is a farewell to dark evenings and a big Hello to Spring! The sun has not come out quite yet, but there is a distinct promise of warm weather to come with the garden coming to life with daffodils and tulips a plenty.  

I love it because the day brings me back to my childhood, picking the shamrock in the garden to pin it on our coats, watching the parade (sometimes even going to the parade in Dublin city). When I was a kid we always observed the Lenten fast ( I mean, we gave up sweets and cakes for the seven weeks before Easter). We were always allowed to break this fast on St Patrick's Day. It was sugar heaven! Nowadays our St Patrick's Day ritual revolves around the dinner….Roast spring lamb is my favourite meal of all times and is always on the menu on St Patrick's Day, no matter where I am. Delicious.  

Mostly though, I love St Patrick's Day because it gives us all a chance to enjoy our Irish-ness. Being outwardly, nosily, proud of being Irish isn’t really a national trait. It's not in our DNA, except for Paddy's Day, that is. We’re even more boisterous about it when we’re away from home.  Some of my best memories of the day are from times I was abroad for the 17th March. Treasured memories. Lastly, of course, it’s a day off work / school. If nothing else,  who can argue with that for a reason to celebrate?"

Happy St Patrick's Day from your friends at Crafted Ireland.