2000-03-17 - 07:02:13
What Were They Thinking?
We all know how the Church liked to sprinkle its Holy Days in an around those of the pagan holidays. St. Valentine's Day comes a day before a pagan holiday. All Saints Day comes after the graveside antics of All Hollows Eve. Even Christmas is scheduled to bring second thoughts among our non-Christian brethren.
But what were they thinking with this one – St. Patrick's Day!
As I see it, according to the way it's celebrated here in New York, the day is meant to commemorate one of several possible historic figures. One fable has it that we celebrate in order to remember a famed street sweeper of the 14th Century. Which is why I see so many youth bending over to give their last meal to the curb.
Another interpretation is that the Church had a deal with the local wine and beer merchants, and needed an excuse to rotate inventory once a year.
Still, I heard that it's in honor of a learned man who drove the snakes from the streets of Dublin. If this is true, then I'm sure I know where all those snakes ended up – namely the sewers of Manhattan, which is why again we see our learned youth stooping to observe the creatures near the curb.
Of course we can't forget the tradition of the celebrants' wearing green on this day. I suppose so that it will match their complexion near the end of the day too.
Aside from this we have the political issue to the whole mess. Irish only can march here not there. Gays and Lesbians are forbidden to march at all and have to have their own parade during the summer. Why cant we just let everyone get drunk together and see what develops!
About the only good thing I can say about this particular day is that its the 8th lunarversary of a dear friend of mine, and for that reason I'll be quietly lifting a glass of beer tonight to – and stepping carefully over the curb as I leave. And because St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday during Lent this year, I'll gladly forgo the traditional boiled green meat & cabbage.
