Saint Patrick – birth name Maewyn – is Ireland’s patron saint. But his celebrations were more staid in Ireland. It wasn’t until Irish immigrants started flooding into the US that the parades and parties we now associate with Saint Patrick’s Day were born.
The March 17th holiday is now celebrated in many parts of the world. In Illinois, 40 pounds of Kelly green dye tint the Chicago River. In Monserrat, West Indies, people combine Saint Patrick’s Day with the commemoration of an attempted slave revolt, and party for an entire week. Flamenco dancers drink Guiness at Cabo Roig, the site of Spain’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade. From Quebec to Tokyo, Moscow to Auckland, everybody wants to be at least a little bit Irish on March 17th.
At Old World Stoneworks, we get in the spirit with special mantel décor. Here are a few ideas for a special Saint Pat’s themed mantel display. Continue reading