3/17/2010
Learn the answers to burning questions such as: How should you greet a fellow Irishman on St. Patrick's Day? Should you wear your green carnation in Ireland?
Traditional Irish greeting on St. Patrick's Day: "Beannacht na feile Padrig oraibh," which means "May the blessings of St. Patrick be with you."
When General George Washington's troops seized Boston from the British on March 17, 1776, the word "Boston" was used as the password and "St. Patrick" as the reply.
If you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day the Irish way, forget the green beer, green derbies and green carnations on your lapels. These are Anglo-American expressions of the holiday.
St. Patrick's Day serves as a brief reprieve for many Catholics from the deprivations of Lent. It's a time when children can gobble up sweets and their parents can drink a pint at the local pub before Easter.
Want to whip up a traditional Irish meal to get your brood in the mood? Irish lamb stew, corned beef salad, mashed potatoes and Irish soda bread make a great menu. Click here for recipes for Irish dishes.