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Whether you're Irish or not, chances are you've celebrated St. Patrick's Day one way or another. And why not? St. Patrick's Day is pure fun. Green clothes. Green food. Green beer. (Green under the gills.) And what better way to enhance this celebration than with funny Irish poems?
Somehow, there are more symbols of Ireland than there are of other European countries, and these symbols make for great funny Irish poems. France has the Eiffel Tower, and maybe a beret; Germany has the pointy WWI helmet; and England has those bushy beefeater hats and Big Ben. But Ireland, Ireland has a treasure trove of symbols, all perfect for funny Irish poems.
Leprechauns. Consider the legendary leprechaun. Think "Lucky Charms" to get the right image. Leprechauns are not so much about luck as about the fantasy of instant wealth. Leprechauns, two-foot-high cobblers (shoemakers), are cranky old fairy-men rumored to each own a "pot of gold." These tricky little guys have to give up their gold so long as you can keep them in your sights. But if you are tricked into looking away, the leprechaun vanishes.
Blarney. And talk about Blarney! Blarney is the Irish gift of persuasive gab. The best way to get it, according to legend and lore, is with a kiss of the Blarney Stone. The Blarney stone is set in the base of the Blarney Castle, in Blarney, Ireland. Many of us don't travel so far for this gift of gab and instead buy a bottle of it at the corner market.
Shamrocks. What would St. Patrick's Day be without a shamrock? You might think that a shamrock must have four leaves, but you'd be mistaken. While many people do believe that a four-leaf clover is particularly lucky, the official shamrock is the classic three-leaf variety. St. Patrick himself used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the trinity, somewhere during the 400s AD, while a missionary in what is now Northern Ireland. You have to wonder if he did his explaining at the pub, or if he had any inkling of the holiday that would evolve in his name.
Limericks. If you're thinking funny Irish poems, you're probably thinking limericks. But the truth is that the limerick form was first made popular in England because of the famous nonsense-writer, Edward Lear. However, a good funny Irish poem can always be written as a limerick or in any poetic form.
Fun. The most important element of a secular celebration of St. Patrick's Day is fun! (Yes, many Irish do attend church for this holiday. Really.) in addition to the parties, the food, the friends and the green beer, it's good to also include the pure free fun of funny Irish poems.
Happy St. Paddy's Day to you!
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If you are looking for a fun place to spend St. Patrick's Day you won't have to look too far. There are several cities that really go out all when it comes to celebrating this holiday. From parades, exhibits, food festivals and even fireworks, you can find a celebration that will be fun for all. Best of all these cities are located all the way across the United States, which means that there is a good chance that at least of one of them is located by you. So before you plan your next St. Paddy's Day, check out the best places to celebrate.
1. New York City- The Big Apple has been welcoming the holiday with an extra large parade since 1762. Parade organizers expect the number of spectators to top over 1 million people this year. Many people say that there is no better place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day then New York City. It's best to expect very large crowds, however, since there is going to be at least 155,000 marchers just in the parade. However, you will experience the ambience of St. Patty's Day with the sound of bagpipes and green beer literally everywhere. Avid celebrants will get there early to make the trip to St. Patrick's Cathedral. After the parade is over expect the crowds to gather in the many Irish pubs that are located around the city.
2. St. Louis, Missouri- This mid-west city goes all out when it comes to celebrating St. Patrick's Day. To begin the festivities, there is a five mile run on the 14th of March. This city also brings it on with an enormous parade downtown in the city. The parade features lots of decked out floats, Irish dancers and large character balloons. The night of the 17th expect to find lots of people at the many pubs around the city.
3. Savannah, Georgia- You may be surprised to learn that this traditional Southern city goes all out for St. Pat's Day too. In fact they have one of the longest traditions of celebrating this holiday with their parade that began in 1825. While the festivities started out rather small, today Savannah's green party draws over 400,000 people just to watch the parade. The city also has a rather unique tradition with dyeing the many city fountains green. Many people, both residents and non-residents of the city, enjoy seeing the green fountains, as St. Patrick's Day gets closer.
4. San Francisco, California- The "City by the Bay" hosts a St. Patrick's Day party that is both big and rich in history. San Francisco's parade is referred to as one of the most fashionable parades and it follows the iconic trolley tracks throughout the city. Since San Francisco is a town known for its restaurants, there are many places that offer food for the holiday. From upscale remixes of traditional Irish food, to authentic Irish pub food, this party makes sure that no one leaves hungry. The nightlife of San Francisco doesn't disappoint either as crowds gather at the many Irish pubs throughout the city, to keep the party going.
5. Dublin, Ohio- While this city shares it's name with nine other U.S. cities, as well as the most famous one in Ireland, it stands out for its St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The parade that runs for several miles, features lovely floats, lots of bands and of course dancing leprechauns. Along with the parade there are several parties (both public and private) that parade goers can attend. For some history on the celebration head over to the Historic District and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing.
Saint Patrick's Day is a wonderful holiday, whether you are religious or secular, Irish or not. It is celebrated worldwide and one of the more universally festive holidays full of good cheer. Here are 8 fun things you can do to up your level of Saint Paddy's day cheer.
1) Go to a Saint Patrick's Day parade. This is fun for young and old, and many communities have them. You can look in your local newspaper on online to find out about parades. I've been to a number of excellent parades in many communities, and some of the best were not the largest either. Size isn't super important when it come to a fun parade.
2) Cook an Irish dish. The classic is corn beef and cabbage, but there are plenty of other choices as well. Serve to families and friends with a good Irish brew. I'm partial to Guinness myself. One year two of us who couldn't cook decided to attempt making an Irish stew for our friends. It might have been the best stew ever, but it was hearty, well received and pretty easy to cook. It was a lot of fun too!
3) Go to an Irish pub. It is bound to be hopping with activity, and you can probably order that Irish food you didn't feel like cooking and have a brew as well. I have a favorite authentic Irish pub I go to, where the owner and everyone who works there are from Ireland. But even if it's an Irish flavor pub it's fine.
4) A top choice, even if you aren't Irish, is to throw a party! It is a traditional party holiday after all. I have two friends who throw an awesome party for the day every few years, and not only are they not Irish but they don't even like beer.
5) Wear a costume. There are some fantastic ones available and they are not very expensive. Dress as a Leprechaun if you'd like, or choose from several other popular choices.
6) If a costume isn't for you, perhaps just a hat will go? Whether it's an emerald green bowler or a silly over sized Leprechaun hat, you'll stand out as a reveler, as some one both having fun and adding to others fun.
7) If you can't quite do the hat or costume thing, at least wear something green. Simple enough and you probably have something green in your closet anyways.
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St. Patrick's Day is known as a day of celebration and festivities, but very few people know the true story of St. Patrick and who he really is. By tradition, he is a patron saint of the Catholic religion because of the captivity that he went through, the time of solitude and his great faith, and eventually the number of people that were converted to know God through him. It is legend that he heard angels and they helped him in his decisions. All in all, he is known as the patron saint of good luck and blessings to the Catholics in that era up until the 21st century.
St. Patrick was a real live person born in the time around 400 AD in Roman Britain, when the British Isles were still under the domain of the Romans. He was born with the name Maewyn. His name wasn't changed until he was in the monastery. His father was a soldier in the army, and Patrick also reports him to be a deacon, civil official, and a town councilor, who was a son of a Romano-British priest. The family was Christian, but they weren't extremely religious, some historians even say Patrick was agnostic in his childhood.
According to his most famous work, the Confessio, Patrick was captured along with many others when his village was attacked, and he was taken to Ireland as a slave. Patrick was under the authority of a druid high priest and his family and here he learned the native Celtic language which he later used to communicate, and help those to be converted.
After 8 years in captivity, he escaped at the age of twenty-two, and legend has it that an angel directed him to spend twelve years in a monastery near Paris, France, where he adopted the name Patrick. It was during this time of captivity that Patrick found God and developed the habit of praying throughout the day to strengthen himself and to be closer to God. It is recorded in the Confessio that he would often pray up to 100 times a day. One night, while in the monastery, he said he heard many voices that were calling him back to Ireland to help the remaining slaves. At this time he was somewhere in his mid thirties and so he answered the callings. He became one of the first Christian missionaries in Ireland.
He was confident in the Lord, and he journeyed far and wide, baptizing and confirming with untiring zeal. Indeed, Patrick was successful at converting Ireland to christianity . And he even made important converts even among the royal families. For 20 years he had travelled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries, schools and churches, which would aid him in his conversions. He died on March 17th.
You can see how originally this was a Catholic holy day, but today St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. Or, rather, 'be Irish Day '. Speculation as to why this holiday is so popular could be the coming of spring that occurs within just a few days.
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Crafting is a great way for parents and kids to spend time together while creating some fun craft projects. Just about any time of the year is perfect for making crafts, and the month of March is full of opportunities to learn new skills and have fun at the same time. St. Patrick's Day is March 17th and there are very cute and easy ideas to make at home.
Basic Household Items
Kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers love to use art supplies to whip up a new project to display. Simple craft projects need not become an extravagant and expensive event since many of the St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids can be made using materials and supplies that most parents already have on hand. Household items such as paper plates, paper bags, cardboard tubes and egg cartons are just some of the recycled items that can be used in crafts with kids.
An Abundance of Ideas for March
The month of March offers many ideas for crafts and learning activities using common favorite icons like shamrocks, rainbows, kites and of course leprechauns. Depending on the age and skill level of the kids, an abundance of projects can be made. Taking a few minutes to look online for crafting ideas associated with March may provide the inspiration needed to get crafting.
Fun Time Together
Craft projects with our kids has simply always been a part of our lives, and as our kids are growing up we have spent a lot of quality time teaching our kids how to use their imagination to bring out the budding artist and crafter within. Our super easy and fun to make St. Patrick's Day Mobile was great fun for the kids and took no time at all to make. Most parents already have all of the materials and supplies required.
St. Patrick's Day Rainbow and Shamrock Mobile
Craft Supplies You Will Need:
-uncoated paper plate of any size
-green construction paper
-white construction paper
-crayons or markers
-scissors
-yarn or ribbon
-glue stick
How to Assemble:
First of all, you may need some basic shamrock, rainbow and small cloud shapes, or simply draw your own and cut them out. I drew 3 shamrocks about 2 inches in size from green construction paper and 2 rainbow shapes about 2.5 inches in size from white construction paper. On the rainbow shapes I colored in rainbow colors with markers and then glued on a small white cloud shape that I drew and cut out of construction paper and then glued to the side of the rainbow.
The bottom of the paper plate will actually become the top of the mobile, so color the plate with crayons or markers, or perhaps poster paint if desired. Add any kind of decorations you may want to the plate.
Next, poke 2 holes on the top of the plate about 2 inches apart and around the rim of the plate about half an inch from the edge poke 5 holes. Pull a length of yarn or ribbon through the top holes for a hanger and tie yarn or ribbon to each of the 5 holes. Make small holes on the tops of each of your shamrocks and rainbows and tie to the 5 pieces of yarn. Hang up your mobile to display for St. Patrick's Day.
Crafting is a great way for parents and kids to spend time together while creating some fun craft projects. Just about any time of the year is perfect for making crafts, and the month of March is full of opportunities to learn new skills and have fun at the same time. St. Patrick's Day is March 17th and there are very cute and easy ideas to make at home.
Basic Household Items
Kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers love to use art supplies to whip up a new project to display. Simple craft projects need not become an extravagant and expensive event since many of the St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids can be made using materials and supplies that most parents already have on hand. Household items such as paper plates, paper bags, cardboard tubes and egg cartons are just some of the recycled items that can be used in crafts with kids.
An Abundance of Ideas for March
The month of March offers many ideas for crafts and learning activities using common favorite icons like shamrocks, rainbows, kites and of course leprechauns. Depending on the age and skill level of the kids, an abundance of projects can be made. Taking a few minutes to look online for crafting ideas associated with March may provide the inspiration needed to get crafting.
Fun Time Together
Craft projects with our kids has simply always been a part of our lives, and as our kids are growing up we have spent a lot of quality time teaching our kids how to use their imagination to bring out the budding artist and crafter within. Our super easy and fun to make St. Patrick's Day Mobile was great fun for the kids and took no time at all to make. Most parents already have all of the materials and supplies required.
St. Patrick's Day Rainbow and Shamrock Mobile
Craft Supplies You Will Need:
-uncoated paper plate of any size
-green construction paper
-white construction paper
-crayons or markers
-scissors
-yarn or ribbon
-glue stick
How to Assemble:
First of all, you may need some basic shamrock, rainbow and small cloud shapes, or simply draw your own and cut them out. I drew 3 shamrocks about 2 inches in size from green construction paper and 2 rainbow shapes about 2.5 inches in size from white construction paper. On the rainbow shapes I colored in rainbow colors with markers and then glued on a small white cloud shape that I drew and cut out of construction paper and then glued to the side of the rainbow.
The bottom of the paper plate will actually become the top of the mobile, so color the plate with crayons or markers, or perhaps poster paint if desired. Add any kind of decorations you may want to the plate.
Next, poke 2 holes on the top of the plate about 2 inches apart and around the rim of the plate about half an inch from the edge poke 5 holes. Pull a length of yarn or ribbon through the top holes for a hanger and tie yarn or ribbon to each of the 5 holes. Make small holes on the tops of each of your shamrocks and rainbows and tie to the 5 pieces of yarn. Hang up your mobile to display for St. Patrick's Day.
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A St. Patrick's Day party punch will be one of the first things your guests notice, so you want to make sure your punch won't disappoint them. This St. Paddy's Day Leprechaun party punch will be a hit with young or old. This Leprechaun party punch recipe is different from the usual "sherbet and soda" punch recipes, and it is a difference your guests will enjoy. This recipe is for a non-alcoholic punch that can easily be converted with a bottle of one additional ingredient
A nice "extra touch" for your punch is to have a couple theme-shaped ice blocks floating in the punch bowl. Shamrock-shaped ice blocks would look perfect. Use aluminum foil shamrock-shaped cupcake molds that you can find at your local grocery or party supply store. Fill them with water, add a few drops of green food coloring, cover with clear wrap and freeze them. Voila'! green shamrock ice blocks to float in your Leprechaun punch.
Leprechaun St. Paddy's Day Party Punch
Serves approximately 30 - 6oz. cups
Ingredients:
2 ea. - 2-litre bottles Ginger Ale**
60oz. Pineapple juice 2 ea.
12 oz. cans frozen orange juice concentrate*
3 ea. - 3oz. boxes Lime Jello/gelatin mix 21/2 cups sugar
*put the OJ concentrate in the refrigerator instead of the freezer so they will be thawed/softened when you are ready to use them
**put Ginger Ale in the refrigerator to chill
Prep:
Early prep: Mix the boxes of lime Jello mix into a quart of hot water, stir until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool. When cool, add 5 cups cold water, OJ concentrate, and sugar. Stir until well mixed, then refrigerate until time to put out the punch bowl for the party.
Party Prep: Pour the pre-prepped liquid gelatin/OJ in the punch bowl first, and then add the chilled Ginger Ale and pineapple juice, and stir until well mixed. Crushed ice can be added if desired. Add 1 or 2 shamrock ice blocks and it is ready to serve.
And that is all there is to making a great St. Patrick's Day Punch. This St. Paddy's Day Leprechaun party punch will be the hit of your party that your guests will remember all year long. (they will expect more Leprechaun party punch next year too)
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A St. Patrick's Day party just isn't complete without a great party punch to serve your guests. You have made sure all your St. Patrick's Day decorations and party supplies are ready. You are all set with a great selection of snacks and hors d' oeuvres, and of course the green beer. But now you need just-the-right St. Patrick's Day punch to add that final Irish touch. These two party punch recipes will get rave reviews from your guests, you just have to decide which one to use. (Or maybe both)
The preparation of these punches can be as simple as mixing them 20 minutes before your guests arrive, to the rainbow punch which requires some ahead-of-time prep. So be sure to consider this when choosing the right punch for your party.
Note: Although none of these recipes call for an ice block, it would be a nice "extra touch" to have 1 or 2 theme shaped ice blocks floating in the punch bowl. You can easily find aluminum foil shamrock-shaped cupcake molds at your local grocery or party supply store. Fill them with water, then add a few drops of green food coloring, pop them in your freezer, and voila' you will have green shamrock ice blocks.
*These non-alcoholic punch recipes may be converted with 1 bottle of one additional ingrdient.
Traditional St. Paddy's Day Party Punch
Prep time: easy - just 15 minutes, anytime before your guests arrive
Serves approximately 24 guests (50 - 4oz. cups)
Ingredients:
2 ea. - 2-litre bottles of any lemon-lime flavor soda
2 ea. - 12oz. cans frozen lemonade concentrate*
2 ea. - 12 oz. cans frozen limeade concentrate*
2 ea. - Qts. Lime Sherbet*
*put these items in the refrigerator instead of the freezer so they will be thawed/softened when you are ready to use them
Pour all ingredients into a large pot and mix until thoroughly blended. Fill punch bowl approximately 1/3 full with crushed ice, then add blended punch and serve.
Pot-o-Gold Rainbow Party Punch
Prep time: 4 hours before party for rainbows, 15 minutes just before guests arrive to mix all ingredients.
Serves approximately 24 guests (50 - 4oz. cups)
Ingredients:
3 ea. - 2-litre bottles of 7-Up
2 ea. - 12oz. cans frozen lemonade concentrate*
2 ea. - Qts. Rainbow sherbet*
*put both cans concentrate and I qt. sherbet in the refrigerator instead of the freezer so they will be thawed/softened when you are ready to use them
Floating Rainbow prep: Using a large, sharp, serrated knife, and one round quart container of rainbow sherbet, slice 4 slabs, about 1 ½" thick. Don't bother taking sherbet out of carton, slice through carton and all.
Lay each slab flat and cut in half so you end up with 2 half-moon pieces, Use a round cookie cutter or beverage glass to press out the center of each half-moon piece so you are left with rainbow shapes.
Remove the carton pieces now, wrap the rainbow-shaped pieces in clear wrap and put in the freezer so they can freeze solidly until you need them. Put any leftover sherbet in refrigerator to thaw/soften for later use.
Party prep: Put all ingredients, (except frozen rainbow pieces), and approximately 1 tray of ice cubes, in a large pot and mix until well blended. Ice cubes should melt during mixing, or shortly there after. Pour blended mix into your punch bowl, and just before guests arrive add 1 or 2 of the frozen rainbow sherbet rainbows. (they will float on top like ice blocks)
Either one of these out-of-the-ordinary St. Patrick's Day party punches will be a smash hit with your guests, you just have to decide which one to use.
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Green Food Ideas - the perfect color foods for your St Patrick's Day. Great for your Irish Party Ideas, but they are fun to use all day. You don't have long to prepare for your Irish Party and if your not ready...you better get hopping! You will find Green Food Ideas for your family here too!
Here are some easy Green Party Foods and lots of green recipes that will feed your family that are perfect for St Patty's Day.
Why not begin your kid's day with a Green Breakfast?
Green Pancakes are simple to make...use your normal recipe, but add a few drops of green food coloring. Don't like pancakes? How about some Kiwi fruit or cantaloupe to start off your day then. They are both tasty, nutritious and green! Is your family more of an egg breakfast family? Well, you've heard of Green Eggs and Ham, haven't you? Make your eggs with a couple drops of the good old green, food coloring that is. Prepare them as you normally would...scrambled, fried, over easy or sunny side up. There is another green egg idea for you...the Salsa Verde Omelet. Salsa Verde is green salsa! Prepare your omelet as usual and add some Salsa Verde, it will be the best Irish Mexican Omelet you ever had! Then for the family that is in a rush...how about some green cream cheese on a bagel?
Green Lunch Ideas
Get yourself a large salad...can't get much greener than that! There is always pasta with pesto sauce for those of you who like a heavier lunch. And last, but not least, how about a bowl of Pea Soup?
Irish Dinner Ideas
The first dish on the list is not one of the green food ideas. Of course, it's Corned Beef and Cabbage with some boiled potatoes. Delicious! You can eat it as a dinner or make sandwiches on rye bread with mustard. This is also a good party menu idea. Don't really like Corned Beef? Well then get out the pasta and pesto sauce, this is good for lunch or dinner.
What About Green Party Food
Make a dip out of guacamole and Salsa Verde... all you have to do is add some chips! You can also mix the Salsa Verde with cream cheese for a delicious dip. Get out the food coloring again...you are going to need it for the green icing on your green cupcakes! If you like pistachio, add some pistachio pudding mix to your frosting and put that on your cake or cupcakes. Top them with a Shamrock pick!
Green Drink Ideas
Now you need a green drink... Limeade is sure to be green enough. It's usually found in the freezer section of your food store. Mix equal amounts of Limeaid and Ginger Ale or 7 Up in a punch bowl. Scoop some Lime Sherbet into it and your Patty's Party Punch is ready to go. Then finally, there is always green beer...which requires some greener food coloring!
Now that you really know how to get your green on...on the table, that is, go to get your green clothes out, your "Kiss Me I'm Irish Button" and you will be all set for a fun St Patrick's Day!
Green Food Ideas - the perfect color foods for your St Patrick's Day. Great for your Irish Party Ideas, but they are fun to use all day. You don't have long to prepare for your Irish Party and if your not ready...you better get hopping! You will find Green Food Ideas for your family here too!
Here are some easy Green Party Foods and lots of green recipes that will feed your family that are perfect for St Patty's Day.
Why not begin your kid's day with a Green Breakfast?
Green Pancakes are simple to make...use your normal recipe, but add a few drops of green food coloring. Don't like pancakes? How about some Kiwi fruit or cantaloupe to start off your day then. They are both tasty, nutritious and green! Is your family more of an egg breakfast family? Well, you've heard of Green Eggs and Ham, haven't you? Make your eggs with a couple drops of the good old green, food coloring that is. Prepare them as you normally would...scrambled, fried, over easy or sunny side up. There is another green egg idea for you...the Salsa Verde Omelet. Salsa Verde is green salsa! Prepare your omelet as usual and add some Salsa Verde, it will be the best Irish Mexican Omelet you ever had! Then for the family that is in a rush...how about some green cream cheese on a bagel?
Green Lunch Ideas
Get yourself a large salad...can't get much greener than that! There is always pasta with pesto sauce for those of you who like a heavier lunch. And last, but not least, how about a bowl of Pea Soup?
Irish Dinner Ideas
The first dish on the list is not one of the green food ideas. Of course, it's Corned Beef and Cabbage with some boiled potatoes. Delicious! You can eat it as a dinner or make sandwiches on rye bread with mustard. This is also a good party menu idea. Don't really like Corned Beef? Well then get out the pasta and pesto sauce, this is good for lunch or dinner.
What About Green Party Food
Make a dip out of guacamole and Salsa Verde... all you have to do is add some chips! You can also mix the Salsa Verde with cream cheese for a delicious dip. Get out the food coloring again...you are going to need it for the green icing on your green cupcakes! If you like pistachio, add some pistachio pudding mix to your frosting and put that on your cake or cupcakes. Top them with a Shamrock pick!
Green Drink Ideas
Now you need a green drink... Limeade is sure to be green enough. It's usually found in the freezer section of your food store. Mix equal amounts of Limeaid and Ginger Ale or 7 Up in a punch bowl. Scoop some Lime Sherbet into it and your Patty's Party Punch is ready to go. Then finally, there is always green beer...which requires some greener food coloring!
Now that you really know how to get your green on...on the table, that is, go to get your green clothes out, your "Kiss Me I'm Irish Button" and you will be all set for a fun St Patrick's Day!
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