St Patrick’s Day Fabric, Festivals, Fairies and More!

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Each year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with dancing, parades, special foods and a whole lot of green. From corned beef and cabbage dinners to parties and kegs that last well into dawn, over 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry (this number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself) will be celebrating in one way, shape or form, their love of home. And with a little help from J&O Fabrics, the festive occasions will be donned with a special touch… St Patrick’s Day fabric galore!!

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THE SHAMROCK
Considered a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring, by the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism.  Many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of pride in their heritage around this time.

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THE LEPRECHAUN

Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies. Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore,               leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure.

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IRISH FLAG

Although it was not adopted as the national flag of Ireland until independence from Britain on December 6, 1921, the Tricolour was first unfurled in public on March 7, 1848, by the militant nationalist Thomas Francis Meagher. Explaining the significance of the Tricolour, Meagher expressed a hope for his country that is unfortunately still unrealized today:

“Green  for the Irish Catholic nationalists of the south. Orange for the Northern Irish Protestants. The white in the center signifies a lasting truce between the Orange and the Green and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood.”

Happy St. Patrick’s

from your J&O Family!

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