St. Patrick's Day is perhaps one of the most significant and loved festivals of all for St. Patrick was Ireland's ultimate advocate, recognised for bringing Christianity to the island's shores and to the hearts of its people. The celebrations usually begin with a pilgrimage to a sacred spot, such as a holy well or chapel, where mass and/or prayers are said, and concludes with traditional Irish food, drink, music, and dance.
What I find most exquisite about St. Paddy's Day, aside from the fantastical celebrations, is its association to the idea of searching for 'good luck'. Old wives' tales tell us that there are three ways of obtaining good luck on this Holy day, they are as follows:
1. Wear green: For green represents Ireland and all things Irish. It is the colour of the "Emerald Isle", the shamrock, and the season of spring. People wear green on this day to show, not only their patriotism, but their love and respect for the revered St. Patrick.
2. Find a four-leaf clover: Back in time, the Druids were strong believers that a four-leaf clover held superstitious powers and could help in identifying witches or other demons, whilst others believed that it was a symbol of good fortune (and still do to this day). Contemporary spiritualists, now tend to believe that the four-leaf clover releases a kind of special energy and helps one's judgment. The clover plant usually produces the accustomed leaf as we know it with three notable parts. However, botanists actually believe that if a young clover leaf is damaged or exposed to certain chemicals, then it produces a four-leaf clover. It is this less-common four-leaf clover which is said to bring luck.
3. "Kiss the Blarney Stone": This well-known stone is set in one of the walls in the tower of the Blarney Castle; a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork in Ireland, and alongside the River Martin. Legend has it that an old woman cast a spell on the stone as a repayment to the king for saving someone from drowning. Under the spell, the king spoke articulately and fluently for the first time in his reign. According to legend, "kissing the Blarney Stone" brings the kisser "persuasive eloquence", or 'blarney' as otherwise known. Due to the stone's location, it is no easy task to kiss as one must bend at a funny angle, whilst holding onto a metal bar.
If you are looking for somewhere to revel in the Irish-ness of St. Patrick's Day, you really should head on down to London's infamous private member's club, Home House. Party in style with Black Velvet, Irish coffee, Guinness Punch, and of course Guinness itself! Whilst Irish music will provide the perfect backdrop to your special 'green' evening.
What I find most exquisite about St. Paddy's Day, aside from the fantastical celebrations, is its association to the idea of searching for 'good luck'. Old wives' tales tell us that there are three ways of obtaining good luck on this Holy day, they are as follows:
1. Wear green: For green represents Ireland and all things Irish. It is the colour of the "Emerald Isle", the shamrock, and the season of spring. People wear green on this day to show, not only their patriotism, but their love and respect for the revered St. Patrick.
2. Find a four-leaf clover: Back in time, the Druids were strong believers that a four-leaf clover held superstitious powers and could help in identifying witches or other demons, whilst others believed that it was a symbol of good fortune (and still do to this day). Contemporary spiritualists, now tend to believe that the four-leaf clover releases a kind of special energy and helps one's judgment. The clover plant usually produces the accustomed leaf as we know it with three notable parts. However, botanists actually believe that if a young clover leaf is damaged or exposed to certain chemicals, then it produces a four-leaf clover. It is this less-common four-leaf clover which is said to bring luck.
3. "Kiss the Blarney Stone": This well-known stone is set in one of the walls in the tower of the Blarney Castle; a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork in Ireland, and alongside the River Martin. Legend has it that an old woman cast a spell on the stone as a repayment to the king for saving someone from drowning. Under the spell, the king spoke articulately and fluently for the first time in his reign. According to legend, "kissing the Blarney Stone" brings the kisser "persuasive eloquence", or 'blarney' as otherwise known. Due to the stone's location, it is no easy task to kiss as one must bend at a funny angle, whilst holding onto a metal bar.
If you are looking for somewhere to revel in the Irish-ness of St. Patrick's Day, you really should head on down to London's infamous private member's club, Home House. Party in style with Black Velvet, Irish coffee, Guinness Punch, and of course Guinness itself! Whilst Irish music will provide the perfect backdrop to your special 'green' evening.
About the Author:
Home House is a membership club for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other clubs in mayfair, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is London's top st patricks day party.
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