My Irish heritage causes me to think today about St. Patrick. Yes, this non-Irish-born man (real name Maewyn Succat) was highly influential in ending slavery in Ireland. However, I accept that he didn’t chase the snakes out of Ireland. He couldn’t, as there were no snakes to chase out of this land that was underwater fifteen thousand years ago and then had glacial conditions. Even hearty snakes that might have been able to swim the frigid ocean waters would, literally, freeze their tails. But it’s a charming legend, based largely on his converting so many people to Christianity from religions that revered snakes.
Oh well.
At least I know that leprechauns exist.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
