ST. PATTY'S

St. Patrick was famous for this reason: He was captured from his family in Britain to be held as a slave for 6 years in solitude. He found a religious connection while being alone, had a pair of visions, fled Ireland only to return and preach christianity to the Irish, converting pagans and establishing traditions. Thus becoming the patron saint of Ireland. more...
The shamrock, which was also called the "seamroy" by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring.
Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink, and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage. Irish immigrants living on New York City's Lower East Side substituted corned beef for their traditional dish of Irish bacon to save money. They learned about the cheaper alternative from their Jewish neighbors.
After being conquered by the English, and forbidden to speak their own language, the Irish, like other oppressed peoples, turned to music to help them remember important events and hold on to their heritage and history.
Each year the Chicago River is dyed Green.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762A few ways to raise your glass and make a toast:

May your fire be as warm as the weather is cold.

Health, and long life to you
Land without rent to you
The partner of your heart to you
and when you die, may your bones rest in Ireland!

As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.

May you get all your wishes but one,
So you always have something to strive for.

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

Here's to your coffin...
May it be built of 100 year old oaks which I will plant tomorrow.

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

An old Irish recipe for longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the bar thirsty.

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

May you never forget what is worth remembering,
Or remember what is best forgotten.

May you be in heaven one half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been,
The insight to know where you are,
and the foresight to know when you've gone too far.

May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.

May God bring good health to your enemies enemies

May you never make an enemy
When you could make a friend–
Unless you meet a fox among your chickens.