Why is it that nothing ever is quite as it appears? None of those bits and pieces you hear about history from popular culture ever seem to be even close to true. Why do we feel the need to lie to one another? Real history is usually quite interesting enough without all sorts of embellishments and outright falsehood.-Most everyone has heard about St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland, but it turns out they've never had any at all.
-The story about Patrick using a clover leaf to explain the trinity was made up in the 18th century and also never happened.
-There is no evidence that Patrick was ever a Bishop who met with the pope.
-Strangely enough, there is also no evidence for the claim that Patrick made a bargain with god to keep Ireland free and Catholic forever.
-Last but certainly not least, there is a great deal of evidence for the belief that Patrick was not even Irish! Most historians agree that Patrick was actually born in Wales, and that he was the son of a Roman official.
So raise a glass of green beer to a Welsh guy who was nothing more than a really good evangelist.
2 comments:
Ah yes... When religion works over history, the facts are usually the last thing on the priority list.
Does the USA have a patron saint? no? Is that why they celebrate the Patron saints of 'the old countries'. The Patrick 'spin' board just di a good job 'promoting' him ;-) The English Patron saint is equally bizarre. From dodgy memory - George was probably German, probably never came to England, And did he kill a dragon? Call me a sceptic but....
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