The Reyes Report

Happy St Patrick’s day everyone! Instead of following temptation to play hookie and attend the NYC St Patty’s Day parade … I’m posting a few little know St Patty’s day facts and observations.

1. The correct response to “Top o’ the mornin’ to you” is “… And the rest of the day to yourself.”
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2. Green was not the original color of Ireland or St Patty’s day … blue was.
   

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3. “St Patrick” was not Irish nor was he originally named “Patrick” nor did he “drive the snakes out of Ireland” … but he was a real guy. He was actually a British preacher — his name was changed to Father “Patrick” (Irish spelling is different) when he was ordained — who went to Ireland and converted the pagans to catholicism. Because the snake was a popular pagan symbol, most likely that is behind the metaphor … driving the pagans out of Ireland … supposedly, just 200 years after he arrived (and of course, died) Ireland was 100% catholic.
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4. I saw a MASSIVE end-to-end rainbow through the boss’ window in Somers on Thursday of last week — full color range, and a full arch sweeping up from one end of the valley, into the clouds, and down to the other side. So I know the Leprechauns have arrived for St Patty’s day … look out and try to catch one to find his gold!!
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5. NYC’s St Patrick’s Day parade is the oldest parade in our country, dating back to 1762 (before the signing of the declaration of independence). It runs from 11am to about 5pm; they expect about 150,000 people to MARCH in the parade and about 2 MILLION people to watch it. I don’t know how many hot dogs and pretzels are consumed today, but I bet those carts make a mint (green-pun intended)!