Anyone acquainted with Ireland knows that the morning of St. Patrick’s Day consists of the night of the seventeenth of March flavored strongly with the morning of the eighteenth.  ~Author Unknown

Being astounded by fun facts, I decided to share my findings with everyone.  Sometimes I come across this information online, via television, books, word-of-mouth, etc.  You get the point.  This material is basically what I find interesting and it’s caught my attention for one reason or another, usually at random.  Enjoy!

Random Fun Facts St. Patrick’ Day!

Me enjoying a glass of Guinness in the Guinness museum at the Guinness Brewery in Ireland. 6/2005

I’m not a huge St. Patrick’s Day fan.  I don’t dislike it, but I don’t plan my days around it.  It’s true, I have taken in plenty of gallons of green beer throughout my twenties, but alas I guess the appeal was short lived.  However, St. Patrick’s Day is great for two reminders.  One, my sister’s birthday was the previous day and two, how much I loved visiting Ireland.  When I see the see of green during this celebration, I can’t help but remember luscious green painted hillsides on the island.  After all It’s Not About the Luck.  Anyway, this year I decided to supply some random fun facts.

• 56% of Americans will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today (2013)

I would think this number would be higher.  After all St. Patrick’s Day, is a day to celebrate Irish heritage, shamrock shakes, and green beer!

• 77.3% of those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day are 18-24-year-olds
• 38.9% are 65 and older

I guess the elderly do get out and party.

• The average American will spend $35.27
• 84.2% will sport the green look
• 1/3 make a special dinner
• More than 1/4 will attend a party at a bar or restaurant
• 1 in 5 will go to a private party
• Expected spend of $4.7 billion is roughly 1/4 that is predicted to be spent on Valentine’s Day

Is that a surprise?  I hope not.  St. Valentine’s Day is about the whole romantic experience, while St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with green cheap beer and green shaking shamrock headbands.  Not really much of a comparison.

Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.   ~Saint Patrick

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Over the years, I’ve participated in Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations through the consumption of my fair share of green beer.  However, should today really be a day for commemoration?  It seems, sometimes the facts are not completely uncovered, misunderstood, or are lacking all together.  Not that I’m a theological expert to discuss saints, but Saint Patrick’s Day is a neat inspiring story.  Saint Patrick was a priest from England who wanted to spread Christianity throughout Ireland.  At least that’s my condensed version.  In fact, he said that God spoke to him and told him what to do.  I’m sure there are many different stories presented in history books, but all in all, Saint Patrick wanted to make a difference with God’s best intention in mind.  With that being said, it sounds like a good enough reason to celebrate today.  What better reason for parades, green beer, and let’s not forget the McDonald’s shamrock shake, a favorite of mine, than the spreading of the word of God!  It may not be a day of luck, but it shows an example of opening your heart,  listening, and following your true purpose in life.

I’m glad Saint Patrick chose the path he did.  Traveling through my blog entries (European Travels Part 1 , 20th Annual Great Guinness Toast – Brilliant!, Traveling Habits) I have commented a time or two on my time spent in Ireland with my sister.  It’s an amazing destination, which I do encourage everyone to entertain the idea sometime in their lives.  Try to open your heart to your true destiny, who knows it might take you to Ireland.