In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious occasion. In fact, until the 1970s Irish laws mandated pubs be closed on March 17.
Today St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated globally by people of various backgrounds who wear green, drink green beer and eat corned beef and cabbage.
The three-leaf clover, according to ancient Irish legend, symbolizes the rebirth of spring and by the 17th century became a symbol of Irish nationalism.
Leprechauns derive from the ancient Irish meaning “lobaircin” (small-bodied fellow). The Leprechaun comes from the Celtic belief that fairies could use magic powers for good and evil.
And only half of the meal of corned beef and cabbage is truly Irish. Cabbage, a staple in the Irish diet, was traditionally served with Irish bacon. Corned beef was substituted by Irish immigrants who came to America and could not afford the real thing.
2. The Ancient Order of the Hibernians (AOH) was organized in 1836 in New York and Pennsylvania, originally in response to discrimination against Irish Catholics. It promoted issues of self-defense, social and economic justice and Irish nationalism, according to Hibernian historians.
Gerry Curran and Jerry Belanger helped to organize the Gaylord AOH, incorporating it in 1996. The local chapter boasts 40 members, including four Roman Catholic clergy. Bishop Patrick Cooney of the Diocese of Gaylord is its chaplain, and Bill O’Neill is president.
To be considered for membership, individuals must be of Irish descent and practicing Roman Catholics.
For more information on the local chapter, call Curran at 939-8041.
For more history on the Hibernians and St. Patrick’s Day, log onto www.michiganaoh.com
3. For the seventh year, Eagle 101.5 is sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day parade today (Saturday) at noon. The parade begins on Michigan Avenue (next to Ben Franklin), continuing east down Main Street (M-32) to Center Street and ending at the Otsego County Community Center.
While at the community center, parade watchers can enjoy free Irish stew, provided by Timothy’s Pub, water and pop supplied by Save A Lot and coffee from Big Bear Deli.
A ceremony, honoring this year’s parade marshal, Rosemary (Donovan) Smith, who will be recognized for her outstanding service in the Gaylord community, will be held outside of the community center. In the event of inclement weather ceremonies will be inside.
Past parade marshals are, Gerald Curran, Charles O’Connor, William O’Neill, Joseph Duff, Patrick Cooney and Robert Forde.
4. For the fourth year, in support of cancer research, Gaylord High School hosted St. Baldrick’s Day on Thursday, an event where participants earned pledges to shave their heads.
With a goal of $8,000, the group raised more than $9,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which began in Manhattan in 1999 when three men raised $104,000 by shaving their heads at an Irish pub.
According to organizer Sue Moore, the school has donated approximately $29,000 during the first three years. This year’s event had 30 “shavees” including three teachers and seven girls.
The Gaylord Kiwanis Club helped students with the Locks of Love fundraising by collecting hair to make wigs for cancer patients. Four girls donated hair to Locks of Love, separate from the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.
Alex Westenbarger, son of John and Betty Westenbarger, a cancer survivor who is in the sixth grade at Gaylord Intermediate School, attended the event.
For more information, visit www.stbaldricks.org.
5. The Pigeon River Festival Committee, in an attempt to raise money for the annual festival, is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Potluck dinner and dance tonight (Saturday) from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Corwith Township hall in Vanderbilt.
Cost of the dinner/dance is $10 for adults or $25 for the family. Admission covers the meal and entertainment for the evening. The event includes karaoke and DJ by Jason Lambert, as well as local celebrities singing and anyone else who wants to participate.
Tom Serino, festival committee member, asks folks to shake the winter blues and come enjoy a night out with great friends, fun and fellowship.
Ham is provided by the festival committee and the Village Market in Vanderbilt. Community members may bring a dish to pass.
For ticket information, contact Serino at 989-306-0234.