St. Patrick, considered to be the founder of Christianity in Ireland,  was not Irish; he actually was British. At about 16, he was captured and taken as a slave to Ireland where he worked as a shepherd. Until then, he had no interest in anything spiritual. During his time in captivity and his solitude as a shepherd, he turned to God.

After 6 years, he escaped back to Britain where he devoted his time to spiritual development and became a priest. Ultimately, he had a vision calling him to return to Ireland in order to bring Christianity to the pagans living there.

St. Patrick is celebrated as the Apostle of Ireland, one of the most favorites of saints. He is remembered and celebrated on the anniversary of his death on March 17.

Just in time for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations:

 

 

Julie Kohl: Green Eggs and Ham Crepes

Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss as we now know him, began his famed writing career while in attendance at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Still Ted Geisel at the time, he was writing for the campus based humor magazine Jack-o-Lantern of which he became editor-in-chief during his Junior year. As was tradition for the publication, the content within the magazine was rarely signed by the author. While he claims to have contributed a number of pieces his exact contribution is unclear except in terms of his artwork. The magazine also published artwork which unlike its “lit” was nearly always signed. The publication was peppered with his illustrations from 1921-1925. He admits that, during this time, he “discovered the excitement of ‘marrying’ words to pictures.” READ MORE

Debbie Arnold: Kiss Me. I’m Irish in Arkansas

Whether it’s a longing for spring and warm weather, a sense of a new beginning or just a turn of the calendar, it seems everyone becomes a little Irish when March rolls around. We green up our wardrobes, fill vases with shamrocks and daffodils, and cook up vats of corned beef and cabbage. And even though we’re told it’s not truly Irish, we serve it up with fervor, Irish soda bread and mugs of Guinness Stout™.

For many Arkansans, it’s not something we pretend to be; being Irish is knotted throughout the branches of our family trees. It’s in the stories we share and the longing for ancestral connections. Our names may not be O’Brien or O’ Sullivan, but we’re Irish nonetheless. READ MORE

 

Anita Stafford: Shamrock Pretzel Treats

These Shamrock Pretzel treats will be sure to please any little (or big) leprechauns you might have around the house celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with you. The sweet and salty taste of these treats make a great addition to a party table, and the candy shamrocks add a pop of color. READ MORE

Debbie Arnold: Slow Cooker Corned Beef Dinner

I am not Irish, but once March rolls around I get excited about St. Patrick’s Day parades, Irish food, Irish music, Irish pubs, and people wearing every shade of green in an effort to not get pinched. It is a day for many to share memories and their heritage, but for me, it is also a sign that spring is around the corner. Since I am not a fan of winter, I have latched onto St. Patrick’s Day as a day that signals the coming of spring. READ MORE