Around the world annually on 17 March, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated – it is believed to be the day which marks the death of St Patrick (461 A.D), and now commemorates his life and good works. Known as an occasion to embrace (our) Irish heritage, drink pints of Guinness, wear tons of green with shamrocks, and enjoy some traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and potatoes, or some St. Paddy’s “green themed” foods, which is usually followed by some kind of minty dessert.

The festivities usually continue into the wee hours of the next day, as parades, floats, and lively music continue to entertain those gathered. As early as the 17^th century, the 17^th of March was known to be a day of feasting, and Queen Elizabeth the late Queen Mother, used to give her Irish guards shamrocks, flown in especially from Ireland, for them to wear on this memorable day.

But who is St. Patrick?

He is known as the patron saint of Ireland, the man who although not Irish himself, traveled around and spread the Christian message, village by Irish village, establishing monasteries and churches in his wake. There are many miracles attributed to him such as banishing all snakes from Irish soil (which could also reference the banishing of druids, who often had snake tattoo’s on their arms); teaching in parables (such as using the Shamrock to depict the Holy Trinity for villages who couldn’t quite grasp the three-in-one concept); and most outrageously, is rumored to have spoken the gospel and learned from Osini the warrior (who was a part of Irish mythology, and was said to be members of the Fianna). Not a bad round-up for someone who was kidnapped and brought to Ireland when he was sixteen, only to escape captivity and return several years later as an ordained bishop trying to save souls.

Where to drink

South Africa has it’s fair share of Irish pubs, all of which are well-worth their salt. Here, however is the round-up of some of the best spots to hang out and enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day:

1. The Dubliner – Cape Town
2. O’ Driscolls Irish Pub & Restaurant – Cape Town, +27 (0)21-424-7453
3. O’Hagans – Nelspruit, Potchefstroom Bethlehem, Warmbaths, Midrand
4. Shamrock Inn – Durban, +27 (0)31-563-4462.
5. Mcgintys Irish pub – Pietermaritzburg, +27 (0)33-342-3365
6. Molly Malones in Fourways – Johannesburg, +27 (0)11-467-8052
7. Maloney’s – Pretoria, +27 (0)12-362-2883

Hangover Help

While consuming copious amounts of alcohol is the norm, the next day hangover is never welcome. Read the below to help lessen the damage that’s likely to be done, and what to do if it’s a bit late for this advice:

• Remember that a hangover is just a symptom of your body trying to process and remove the alcohol consumed.

• Before heading out for an evening of drinking, eat a filling meal with lots of carbohydrates. This will help slow the absorption of alcohol – as the pyloric sphincter closes when food is eaten, which gives your stomach enzymes a chance to break down the alcohol, before it reaches your liver.

• After your filling meal of choice, ingest a charcoal tablet or two. Charcoal has long been used to absorb and filter poisons and toxins.

• Alcohol dehydrates you, which can lead to splitting headaches the next day. Ensure that each glass of alcohol imbibed, is followed by a glass of water or juice. Will this lead to more bathroom breaks? Yes. But if you follow this reasoning, will you be hugging the toilet bowl tomorrow? No.
• Some believe that indulging in mixed drinks leads to hangovers – and though this hasn’t ever been verified, the old adage: “Don’t mix grapes and grain”, is a good one to remember.

• Once you’re intoxicated, ingesting mass amounts of chili can help lessen the likelihood of getting a hangover. So Tabasco sauce, chili-poppers, even chili paste can help get you on your feet faster. No one knows why, but I’m of the opinion that it helps you sweat out the toxins faster.

• Eating foods rich in vitamin B and Potassium can help prevent queasiness and muscle cramps, so a banana or two before bed may be better than that apple a day after all.

• Should you awake the next day with all the usual hangover signs, then make sure you’re stocked up on sports drinks – which will not only rehydrate you, but will also give your body a boost of some much-needed vitamins and minerals.

So, whether you have Irish heritage or not, St. Patrick’s day is certainly going to be celebrated somewhere close by and will most definitely be memorable. Let us know how you spent it, where you went, and what you wore to show your Irish pride! To leave you with a traditional Irish blessing:

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

How are you celebrating #StPatricksDay this year?

Main image credited to tata_aka_T (Creative Commons)