National Irish American Heritage Month

March is National Irish American Heritage Month. Not known as a traditional holiday so to speak, but is recognized and celebrated on St. Patrick's Day (March 17th). Not only is this day celebrated by those who are Irish, but also celebrated by many who partake in drinking green beer, eating corned beef and cabbage, and wearing something green on that particular day.
Many parades are also held on this day. The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade was first started in 1962, which included marching Irish soldiers who were serving in the English military at the time.
I am doubled blessed; to be Irish and having March 17th as my birthday.

A quick history of St. Patrick
St. Patrick was a devout Christian who it is believed that God spoke to in his dreams. He was ordained as a priest, was a missionary of Ireland, and credited with helping convert the Irish people to Christianity.
He was known for creating the Celtic cross, which has a sun superimposed over the cross. The sun being a powerful symbol to the Irish.
A common myth was that St. Patrick had driven out the snakes in Ireland, but the truth to this was that of the symbolism of Christianity prevailing over the pagan Irish culture.

Some common symbols associated with St. Patrick and this celebration include:
leprechauns, shamrocks, and the Celtic cross.

Some of my Etsy finds:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42262968


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42255861


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41422287


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41697950


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41423425