I refer to March 17th as ‘Irish Day’ because it is a time that we Americans celebrate Irish art, culture, heritage, and traditions. It’s a yearly phenomenon that has little to do with observations of the Irish Saint Patrick. Corned beef and cabbage, shamrocks, green beer, parades and general delirium are all beloved components of March 17th revelry. Did you ever wonder where did all of this began, and why it is so popular? It is useful to look at the history of the day, its origins, and the pervasiveness of the ‘Celtic’ theme in art and mythology to appreciate this day’s wide-spread appeal.
Enjoy your journey through these sites. Slainte!
Celtic Archaeology and History (a video montage)
by Richard Edward Wurst
Links:
Celtic Art and Designs
Celtic Britain (The Iron Age) c. 600 BC - 50 AD
Celtic Europe - (Excellent– historical texts, linguistics, archaeology, and mythology)
Celtic Fallacy - (Stimulating debate on the history-archaeology of the Celts)
Celtic History, Warfare, and Armory
Celtic Monasticism - History and Sprituality - (Study of the Celtic saints, or Peregrini )
Ireland’s History in Maps
The Celts and the Romans (An interactive history)
The Druids and Celtic Spirituality
The History of St. Patrick’s Day - (from The History Channel)
