When we're kids, we are taught that St. Patrick is famous for chasing the snakes out of Ireland. A lot of people (at least in my family and my hometown) are under the impression that those are actual literal snakes. However, the snakes are actually a metaphor for pagans, and chasing them out is a euphemism for genocide. I only learned that three years ago, and since then, I have not been inclined to celebrate on St. Patrick's Day, as it is a celebration of the genocide of my people. However, today I saw someone talking about it in a different light: they said that we can point out the pieces of the ancient culture and the Old Way that have survived to this day (there is a LOT of it in Irish culture) and educate people as we celebrate and remember those who died for their beliefs.
Basically, I was wondering what people here thought about St. Patrick's Day. Do you celebrate it, and if so, how? Do you think pagans, especially Celtic pagans like myself, should boycott the holiday, or is it better to make it a day of remembrance and education? I am curious to know how others deal with this.
Basically, I was wondering what people here thought about St. Patrick's Day. Do you celebrate it, and if so, how? Do you think pagans, especially Celtic pagans like myself, should boycott the holiday, or is it better to make it a day of remembrance and education? I am curious to know how others deal with this.
Comment