I just read a really good book called "Patrick" by Stephen Lawhead. Now of course me being me, i like to read historical fiction, then go find the facts on the person/people behind the story. While there was definite artistic license, he did a good job of delving into the heart of Patrick i think. Short and sweet history: he was grandson to a bishop and considered himself pagan until he was captured and made a slave in Ireland at the age of 16. There he found God, escaped after 6 years, studied, prayed, became bishop, did wonderful things for the kingdom of God in Ireland etc etc.
Anyone Irish knows at least some of that story and anyone with half a brain i would think would figure the guy did something for the church considering how he is the patron saint of Ireland. So i wanna know why when u ask most people why we celebrate St Patty's day, they say its cause he drove the snakes outta Ireland? seriously, there were never snakes in Ireland. I understand there is talk of snakes being symbol of paganism and pelagianism, fin that makes interesting symbolism. But umm...there were no ...SNAKES. You dont become a patron saint for snakes. I find it sad that people are forgetting more and more of the history behind what we celebrate and create their own little happy stories. They look for any excuse to party, get drunk, or whatever else belittling the true meaning behind the holiday. If u dont want to believe in what St Patrick really did, fine, dont celebrate the holiday. Just dont say its cause of snakes!
