 St. Patrick’s Day Fun
Each year on March 17, the Irish honor their patron saint, St. Patrick. They thank him for bringing Christianity to Ireland almost 1,600 years ago.
In America, this means celebrations with great music and dancing and lots of good food.
You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. Everybody gets out their green and joins in the fun!
THE LUCK OF THE IRISH
Shamrocks , four-leaf clovers and a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow are all signs of luck to the Irish.
But why are the Irish so lucky?
Irish folkstories tell the tale of little people known as Leprechauns. If you see a leprechaun, you will get three wishes.
That’s lucky.
What would you wish for?
LOOK FOR LUCK
Have you ever looked for four-leaf clovers? Give it a try. First, find a nice clump of clover to sit down in. Look and be patient. If you find one, there’s a good chance you may find others nearby.
It could be your lucky day!
Shamrock String
Need a decoration for your St. Patrick’s Day party? Here’s an easy project.
Materials
- Green construction paper, 12" long and 6" wide
- Pencil Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue or glue stick
Directions
1. Fan fold paper 4 times making each fold 3" wide.
2. Draw a 1/2 shamrock with its center on the fold. Make it so big it stretches from top of the paper to bottom.
3. Draw a smaller 1/2 shamrock inside this one.
4. Cut along pencil lines and unfold into a string of shamrocks. The little shamrocks will fall free.
5. Glue the little shamrock in between the larger ones.
6. Hang the shamrock string over a doorway or in a window.
Let’s celebrate!
WHY DO WE …
Wear green on St. Patrick’s Day?
Don’t forget to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day or you’ll get a pinch.
Most of us don’t forget, but did you ever wonder why we wear green?
Ireland is home to the shamrock, a three-leaf clover plant.
The shamrock was used by Patrick, a Roman missionary, to help explain Christianity. He used one leaf to represent God as Father, one as Son and one as Holy Spirit.
When Patrick died, beautiful green shamrocks covered the fields of Ireland.
Since then, wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is thought to bring good luck.
 Kids' Calendar
All aboard to Ireland
Sat. March 18 (12-4pm)-Sail the USS Constellation to Ireland. This famous ship sailed to Ireland
in 1880 to bring food to people starving in the potato famine. Hands-on activities show you how to make your way through the world’s oceans. All ages. Adults $6 with discounts. USS Constellation, Inner Harbor, Baltimore: 410/539-1797,
x 432
Powder Monkeys
March 18-19 (1pm and 3pm)-Calling all kids.What is a Civil War powder monkey? Find out while you try on Civil War uniforms, learn a sea chanty and check out the Navy “mess.” All ages. Adults $6 with discounts. USS Constellation, Inner Harbor, Baltimore: 410/539-1797 x 432.
Musical Stageshow
March 18 & 19 (7pm) & March 20 (2pm)-Enjoy a toe-tapping musical performance of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s The King and I. All Ages. Childrens Theatre of Annapolis, Annapolis. $8 with discounts.: 410-757-2281.
Be a Civil War Navy Captain
Sun. March 19 (noon)-Do you have what it takes to be in the Civil War Navy? Test your strength as you brace the yards and learn how this mighty vessel was sailed. All ages. Adults $6 with discounts. USS Constellation, Inner Harbor, Baltimore: 410/539-1797 x 432.
Explore, Explore, Explore
Sun. March 19 (2-4pm)-Explore a stream and pond, searching for frogs, turtles, tadpoles and even water insects. Wear shoes that can get wet. Bring a change of clothes & towel. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian: 410/741-9330.
Copyright 2000
Bay Weekly
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