St. Patrick's Day Fun Facts - Who is Maewyn Succat?

Because we homeschool we studied up a little on St. Patrick to find out what we were celebrating. Thanks to Wikipedia and the world wide web here are a few little facts we dug up that you can use to WOW your friends.

1. Maewyn Succat is the "real" name of the Saint we call Patrick today. He took the name Patricius (latin for well-born) upon becoming a Priest. He died on March 17, 460 AD.

2. Patrick wasn't actually Irish. He was born in Scotland. In his youth he was taken to Ireland by raiders and it is said he prayed every day during his captivity. He escaped back to Scotland only to hear the voice of the Irish say "Come back and walk among us" in his dreams which he did.

3. Blue, not green, was the original favored color of Ireland; the Coat of arms of Ireland, the Irish Presidential Standard, the Ancient Colours of Ireland as well as the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom representing Northern Ireland all prominently feature blue. The change to green most occurred around the 1750's where wearing a shamrock represented nationalism or Roman Catholic faith.

4. The actual phrase "wearing of the Green" most likely comes from a Irish street ballad dating to 1798 (anonymously penned) about the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Green was the color of the Society of the United Irishmen. Wearing a shamrock in the hat was a sign of rebellion.

5. St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity (3 persons in 1) to the people of Ireland.

To end today's little lesson, here's an Irish Prayer in honor of St. Patrick:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Here's hoping the answer is "yes".

At least they're reading, right?

So, if you didn't know, I homeschool my two Superstars. My 6-year-old (Superstar #1) is in first grade and in the throes of gaining proficiency in her reading skills, rather reluctantly I might add. It's not that she doesn't like books. She loves them! Well, she loves me reading them to her, and oh yeah, the pretty pictures.

The fact of the matter is that she actually does read well if she feels it isn't because she has to do it. You know, like it's her idea of something fun to do and not something boring and hard that her mom likes to torture her with, I mean, teach her to do. No, not everyday is like that when you homeschool, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't happen.

So, like a good mom who wants her children not to be moochers for the rest of their lives to succeed in life, I make books readily available. We visit the library once a week and we buy books at the thrift store all the time (savvy saving tip).

I also try to have Superstar #1 read to Superstar #2. It's a blatant play on the show-your-sister-what-a-big-girl-you-are need she has, but hey it works...most days. It sort of did today. At least they're reading right? I mean, laughing AND reading. Hey, at least they are laughing and not harassing each other.

On another note, I guess I should mention why I call them Superstars. It's not my way of subtly telling you all how great, fabulous and fantastic they are (of course you know I think they are), but because one day after sending the kids upstairs after breakfast to put on their clothes (yes, we do that AFTER breakfast so that their clothes might actually make it to the end of the day looking like they only rolled around in lunch, snack and dinner) the following scene took place.

The 6-year-old slides into the kitchen in socks ala Tom Cruise in Risky Business (only fully dressed) saying, "Presenting Superstar number one!"

The 3-year-old is nowhere to be seen.

The 6-year-old: PRESENTING SUPERSTAR NUMBER ONE!

The 3-year-old is still nowhere to be seen, but now there's giggling around the corner.

The 6-year-old: AUDREY?!

A rosy-cheeked 3-year-old slides across the floor and into her sister, "Presenting Superstar number two!"

In unison: Ta-da!

I'm not exactly sure where they picked it up, but it sure was cute.