Oh, have you heard of those small mythical mischievous sprites that are believed to be the reason for putting on anything green on St. Patrick’s Day? Whatever shade of green there is, whether accessories like lime-hued bows and armbands. Our outfits like avocado-tinted button-down shirts and clover printed pants. The kids and teachers of Alkor had to wear them so as to be invisible from leprechauns! Who wants some pinch anyway, not unless it’s getting a few pinches of chocolate cookie from a tin can in the pantry, let’s use that reverse card! 😉
In 1737, the first-ever St. Paddy’s Day, from the Galeic name Pádraig, happened in Boston, and now, millions of people from across the globe gather for an avenue-long parade to witness the marching bands, floats, and colorful costumes.
The feast day of St. Patrick
Not until Walt Disney’s Darby O’Gill and the Little People, an Irish folklore inspired American film filled with magic and charm, was released in 1959 that little trickster elves came into the picture of the feast day of St. Patrick.
But we can trace back to the 17th century when Irish people began honoring the death of the missionary that converted thousands of pagan to christianity. In 1737, the first-ever St. Paddy’s Day, from the Galeic name Pádraig, happened in Boston, and now, millions of people from across the globe gather for an avenue-long parade to witness the marching bands, floats, and colorful costumes. How grand right?!
Now, it’s not only a religious celebration but also an opportunity to share Irish heritage to the world. Everybody takes part in painting their town green, from dyeing the Chicago River and White House fountain, to lighting up the London Eye, Sydney Opera House and Leaning Tower of Pisa as a symbolism of friendship between Ireland and other countries.
Our own little way of St. Patrick’s Day in Alkor
Our own little way of St. Patrick’s Day in Alkor was craic (an Irish slang for fun) and interactive! There was a balloon-filled photo booth full of quirky sets of props that everyone raved about on 17th of March. Not only that, since it was a week-long holiday-themed discussion in English class, students learned the story behind the celebration, the Irish culture and even their leprechaun names. It’s cool how important culture sharing is and what it can do to make the world a little greener (literally) and a great place to live.
Well, I hope you have a grand and rainbow-colored day as we all did ! Oh, by the way, just a tip: leprechauns are found at the end of the rainbow. If you catch them, you’re in for a treat. They grant three wishes! That’s all for now. Irish kisses and shamrock wishes!
Jolina Manalang