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St. Patrick's Day is named after Saint Patrick who died in 461 AD. He is the patron saint of Ireland and the day of his birth, March 17th, was made a Catholic holiday in the early 1600's and an official Irish public holiday in 1903. Each March 17th, St. Patrick's Day parades take place all around the world where ever large groups of Irish have settled. One of the biggest is in New York City, and the world's shortest St Patrick's Day parade takes place in Dripsey, Cork, Ireland. where the parade is just 100 yards long and travels between the village's two pubs.
Irish around the world wear green on this day to mark St. Patrick's use of the shamrock, a 3 leafed clover, to explain the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity in pre-christian Ireland. But the four leaf clover is said to be an omen of very good luck - yes, they do exist and can be found in nature if you look closely. The Irish are blessed with a rich history of St. Patrick's Day stories and jokes. Here is one about ducks!
Three Irishmen, Sean, Michael, and Liam, went to Heaven at the very same time. When they arrived at the Pearly Gates, they were met by St. Patrick himself, and he said to the boys: "Lads, I'm here to welcome you to Heaven where you will spend all eternity. Just remember one thing, when you go through these gates, don't step on any of the ducks or you'll be punished for ever and ever.
Sean went in first, and he was amazed to see that the whole place was covered with ducks! He tried very hard, but sure enough he stepped on a duck. And at that moment he was met by one of the ugliest girls he'd ever seen, and she said,"Well love, you stepped on a duck and now we're together for all time."
Of course, the exact same thing happened to Michael. But his eternal mate was even uglier than Sean's. By this time Liam was scared beyond reason. He moved with great care and had almost made it all the way across the vast courtyard without stepping on a single duck.
Suddenly, his arm was grabbed by a young lass. Liam looked over and saw the most beautiful, blue-eyed girl he's ever seen in all his life. He gasped, "I don't understand it!" The young beauty answered, "Well I'm sure I don't either, I was walking along minding my own business, when all of a sudden I stepped on a duck."
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