Irish Blessing

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time - of winter being transformed into spring.  This is a cultural and religious holiday observed by Irish people and the Catholic Church.  The day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.  Green ribbons and shamrocks have been worn to celebrate St. Patrick's Day dating back as early as the 17th century.  It is believed that Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the then pagan Irish.

 

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing

Some enjoyable Irish traditions:        

Irish Coffee - 1 cup hot strong coffee
                       1 T brown sugar
                       1 jigger Irish Whiskey
                       Heavy whipped cream
Pour piping hot coffee into warmed glass until 3/4 full
Add brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
Blend in whiskey and top with whipped cream.

Other tasty foods are -

• slow cooker corned beef and cabbage
• lamb stew
• shepherd's pie
• soda bread

Irish tales of enchantment involve the Leprechaun - a mischievous fairy creature clad in emerald green clothing, who when not playing tricks on others is busy making shoes.  The Leprechaun is said to have a pot of gold hidden at the end of a rainbow, and if ever captured by a human has magical powers to grant three wishes in exchange for release.

Most importantly - don't forget to drink a special stout brew of roasted barley, female hops, water of St. James Wells and Guinness yeast -

 

 

Enjoy the opportunity to share the blessings bestowed upon you, your family and friends.  Celebrate your faith and life itself!!!!

 

www.andieisle.com/anirishblessing.html

Roma Downey