HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY
MARCH 17, 1999

Saint Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday honoring Saint Patrick,
the missionary credited with converting the Irish to Christianity.

St. Patrick
May St. Patrick guard you
wherever you go
and guide you in whatever you do--
and may his loving protection
be a blessing to you always.

In America, Saint Patrick's Day is a basically a time to wear green and party.
Green is associated with Saint Patrick's Day because it is the color of spring, Ireland, and the shamrock.

Leprechauns are also associated with this holiday.
Leprechauns of legend are actually mean little creatures,
with the exception of the Lucky Charms guy.

The Leprechaun
Near a misty stream in Ireland in the hollow of a tree
Live mystical, magical leprechauns who are clever as can be
With their pointed ears, and turned up toes and little coats of green
The leprechauns busily make their shoes and try hard not to be seen.
Only those who really believe have seen these little elves
And if we are all believers
We can surely see for ourselves.

The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the wall of the Blarney Castle tower in the Irish village of Blarney. Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the gift of persuasive eloquence (blarney).

Shamrock, a member of the clover family,
was used by Patrick to explain the mystery of the Trinity,
the three leaves of the shamrock representing the Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit).

The Shamrock
There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle
'Twas Saint Patrick himself sure that set it
And the sun on his labor with pleasure did smile
And a tear from his eyes often times wet it
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland

What's good luck on Saint Patrick's Day:
Finding a four-leaf clover (that's double the good luck it usually is).
Wearing green.(School children have started a little tradition of their own --
they pinch classmates who don't wear green on this holiday).
Kissing the blarney stone.

An Irish blessing to take with you today:
May your blessings out number the shamrocks that grow
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

Irish Blessing
May you always have...
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.

I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
I'm looking over a four leaf clover
That I over-looked before.
One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain, Third is the roses that grows in the lane.
No need explaining the one remaining
Is somebody I adore.
I'm looking over a four leaf clover
That I over-looked before!

My Wild Irish Rose
My Wild Irish Rose,
The sweetest flower that grows.
You may search everywhere,
But none can compare with my wild Irish Rose.
My Wild Irish Rose,
The dearest flower that grows.
And someday for my sake,
She may let me take,
The bloom from my wild Irish Rose.

Happy St. Patricks Day
Mistyblue