The Irish celebrate their day not only in Ireland but around the world. Irish people immigrated throughout the centuries to many far lands. One of them of course was Canada as well the United States. Many multi-generational Canadians like I am have some Irish blood from their ancestors. About three of my great parent family lines originate from Ireland. Locally, there was a St. Patrick's Day parade in Toronto on Sunday March 13. Many bars and pubs across the country will serve green beer. Dinners could include Irish dishes like Irish Stew made mostly with lamb. Although the cook could improvise and use beef. The Irish had a great influence on the Canadian way of life that can be seen from our history. A modern writer, Ken McGoogan has written books about the creation of the nation. he talks about the Celtic influence. His first book - How the Scots invented Canada has been followed by - Celtic Lightning:How the Scots and the Irish created a Canadian Nation. I am currently perusing and reading these volumes. The bottom line is the Scottish and Irish immigrants came to our great nation with values. McGoogan let's the reader know that the five main values of Independence, Democracy, Pluralism, Audacity and Perseverance are fundamental to the Canadian way of life. So celebrating today the Celtic roots of St. Patrick are very Canadian too. Wear some green, have some fun even if you are not Irish. Someone around you will have a little Irish in them!
Or maybe find a lovely Shamrock plant at your local market! Watch out for that rainbow, there may be a pot of gold at the end! Top o'the morning' to you!
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