ThirstyFish

Philadelphia has been holding a St. Patrick's Day Parade continuously since 1771 - for 242 years. This years parade was held last Sunday. Although I missed the event, Irish Green dominated the city, even in the late afternoon.

Saint Patrick (387-493) is the most recognized patron saint of Ireland. In legend, St. Patrick is believed to have banished all snakes from Ireland, introduced the shamrock as a symbol of the Holy Trinity, and spoke to ancient Irish ancestors from before his time. It is believed that he died on March 17, popularly known as Saint Patrick's Day.

Bagpipes are ancient musical instruments that became prominent throughout Europe about a thousand years ago. Today, the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and the Irish Uilleann Pipe are the most recognized bagpipes. During the 15th and 16th centuries, The Irish used a form of bagpipe called The Great Irish Warpipe to march their armies, encourage each other, and to convey signals during battle. The use of Warpipes by Irish regiments faded by the 1800's.

Song of the Day: Caoineadh cu Chulainn (Riverdance) - Davy Spillane (1997)