Florrie wrote: My opinion.
It was America who exaulted St Patrick into the spectular celebratory day it's become, in the same way as the traditional Irish step dance was choreographed into Riverdance. Incidently I still recognise and can still do every step!!!!
My recollection:
A school holiday, new green outfit usually knitted by granny, St Patrick badge and shamrock. Bacon/ham & cabbage for dinner with apple tart and custard for dessert.
Later (years) there followed the usual flow of greeting cards - And a parade 'of sorts' in Dublin - not to be outdone by the 'over the top' Irish Americans who needed to celerebrate 'big style' because thats what exiles do when they are away from home and memories become romanticised.
So........all the celebrations and green beer etc.......etc.......... in the little backwater Californian town where the shop owner gasped in amazement when I opened my mouth, because some higher order directed me to her premises on St Patricks day............was a revelation. And she insisted I got everything for free!!!!!!
It might be different in Ireland nowdays......as one who knows (Capt B) has already indicated that the fever is catching and spreading to Ulster. I havent been to Ireland during March and if I was to celebrate big time I'd choose New York.
Boston. It has the LARGEST St. Paddy parade in the country! LOL! The whole state of Mass. is Irish!
