Love is Green: A St. Patrick’s Day Dive into History and Myths
- Maggie Murphree
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Ah, St. Patrick’s Day—the one day of the year where the whole world suddenly discovers their great-great-great-granduncle was a quarter Irish, drinks turn neon green, and we all pretend we actually like corned beef. But for those of us who carry Ireland in our blood and bones, St. Patrick's Day history and myths goes beyond just revelry; they’re about identity, tradition, and the enduring pull of the motherland.
The Call of Ireland: Love, Loathing, and Longing
There’s something about Ireland that never quite lets you go. Whether you left yesterday or generations ago, whether you embrace the touristy shamrocks or roll your eyes at them, Ireland’s grip on its diaspora is unshakable. We Irish are believers in myths, legends, and the power of storytelling. We pass down tales like heirlooms, embroidered with each retelling, binding generations together through shared laughter and exaggerated truths.
My sister Allison, the bookworm of the family, reminded me of this when she sent along the details that questioned my knowledge of St. Patrick’s Day. Growing up, Allison was always buried in a book—if knowledge were currency, she’d be richer than a Celtic king. Her love for history and myth keeps our roots alive, and in many ways, she’s the keeper of our Irish stories. So, let’s dive in, with a nod to Allison and every Irish soul, near and far, who still feels the tug of home.
St. Patrick’s Day History and Myths: The Saint Who Wasn’t (Officially)
To kick things off, let’s set the record straight—our dear Patrick was never actually canonized as a saint. That’s right, he’s a saint in the people’s hearts, but not in the official Catholic registry. Which, honestly, is the most Irish thing ever—half in, half out, beloved, but slightly rebellious.
Born in Roman Britain (yes, BRITAIN), Patrick’s origin story comes in two conflicting versions:
He was kidnapped by Irish raiders, enslaved for six years in Antrim (on the fine, sheep-filled slopes of Slemish), and later escaped home—only to voluntarily return to convert the heathens...although, there are still a few heathens out there! Namely, myself and my siblibngs if my mothers stories are true.
He wasn’t kidnapped at all but instead fled to Ireland to dodge his civic duties back home, a classic case of "I'll do anything to get out of paperwork." Honestly, I respect that level of commitment to avoiding bureaucracy.
Whichever tale you believe, the fact remains: he came, he saw, he baptized. The Feast of St. Patrick is celebrated on the 17th March, which is supposed to be the date of his Death.
The Forgotten Heroine: Sheelah (Or Sheila, Síle or Sheelagh... Look, We're believers in the more vowels the better)
I'm unsure if I ever remember this from my childhood days or it's just a forgotten fact - March 17th may belong to Patrick, but the 18th? That was Sheelah’s day. And who was Sheelah? His wife? His mother? His long-lost cousin twice removed? No one really knows, but that never stopped the Irish from raising a glass in her honor. Some say she was just as important as Brigid, which probably explains why the celebrations tended to last an extra day. In true Irish fashion, it seems Sheelah was the patron saint of 'sure, one more won’t hurt.'
More Than Guinness and Whiskey: Ireland’s True Legacy
For far too long, Ireland’s global reputation has been synonymous with pints and parties, but the heart of the country beats with so much more. We are a land of poets, dreamers, and inventors. We have been pioneers of sustainability for thousands of years, long before it was trendy. From ancient farming methods that worked in harmony with the land to modern-day environmental innovations, Ireland’s true green legacy isn’t just in its fields—it’s in its forward-thinking resilience.
We are also storytellers. From the halls of Tara to the fireside in a thatched cottage, we’ve kept our myths and legends alive. The Banshee wails, the Fair Folk watch, and the tales of Fionn MacCumhaill still spark the imagination of young and old alike.
America, We Need to Talk About Corned Beef
Across the Atlantic, Americans have embraced St. Patrick’s Day history and myths with gusto, though some liberties have been taken. Wearing green? Fair play. Parades? Grand. But corned beef and cabbage? Let’s just say that was never on Granny’s Sunday dinner menu. Sorry, America, but turns out Irish immigrants in America couldn’t afford bacon or gammon
(the actual traditional dish), so they made do with corned beef from their Jewish neighbors. Thus, a tradition was born—not from the homeland, but from necessity
and clever adaptation.
The Church of the Horse: Where Things Get Properly Weird
Nestled in Donaghanie graveyard, just outside Beragh, sits the ruins of Donaghanie Church, also known as the Church of the Horse. Why? Because apparently, St. Patrick once used a horse to slay a serpent in a nearby lake, because swords were just too mainstream. The horse’s ghost has allegedly been spotted over the years, proving that even in Ireland, we can’t just have normal hauntings.
Love is Green: Candles for the Occasion
In honor of St. Patrick, Sheelah, and the great horse-serpent showdown, we’re celebrating with our Love is Green collection—candles that capture the freshness of Ireland and the spirit of the season:
Wild Arugula – A scent as bold as Patrick himself, reminding you that green is more than just a color—it’s a way of life.
Rosemary Sage – Earthy, fresh, and a little bit mystical, like Sheelah’s origins and Patrick’s many adventures.
Mint Mojito – Because if you’re going to wet the shamrock, you might as well do it properly.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Party
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about pints and parades—it’s about connection, heritage, and the undeniable pull of home. It’s a day to remember that we are more than the stereotypes. We are a people of stories, resilience, and wit. Whether you’re in Dublin or Dallas, Belfast or Boston, the call of Ireland lingers in the soul.
So, whether you're donning a green ribbon, sipping a questionable pint, or just basking in the glow of a fine soy candle, remember: St. Patrick’s Day is about stories, laughter, and keeping the craic alive.
Sláinte!
Join the Craic—Let’s Keep the Stories Alive!
What are your favorite St. Patrick’s Day myths, memories, or family traditions? Drop a comment below, share your own tales, or just let us know if you, too, have a ghostly horse lurking in your local graveyard. And if you want to bring a wee bit of Ireland into your home, check out our Love is Green candle collection—no neon green required.
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