As the lads and lasses celebrate the life of a Romano-British priest by getting ass over ankles drunk, let's take a look at Paddy, and the snakes.
According to the generally accepted legend, Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland. Okay, for starters, there is no evidence that there were ever any snakes in Ireland. Worms, yup, and they're still there, a lizard or two, but no snakes.
Ever.
Snakes were, however, a symbol of the druids. So, maybe, what the annual bacchanalia and brawlfest celebrates is driving the druids out of Ireland. Because we can't have any competition for the adoration of the people, now can we?
So, if you'll excuse me, I'll forgo wearing green.
Though I will have a (non-green) beer.
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