There are all kinds of Saint Patrick’s Day sayings that are used to toast your friends while enjoying an Irish whiskey or green beer, used to greet neighbors, or wish them on their way. Most St. Patrick’s Day sayings have to do with the traditions and sentiments of the people of Ireland, and how they feel about their patron saint, St. Patrick. As you read them, think about the pride and humor the Irish people, and how that translates to the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day shared throughout the world, which invites everyone to be Irish for the day.
These first few are about the Irish people in general, and the joy, laughter, and luck of the Irish:
1. There are only two kind of people in the world, those who are Irish, and those who wish they were.
2. Oh, the music in the air! An’ the joy that’s ivrywhere, Shure, the whole blue vault of heaven is wan grand triumphal arch, An’ the earth below is gay, Wid its tender green th’-day, Fur the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o’ March! – Thomas Augustin Daly
3. An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of grass to keep from falling off the earth.
4. When Irish eyes are smiling, ‘Tis like a morn in spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing.—Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr.
These are Irish blessings, used as toasts and well wishes:
5. May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, May good luck pursue you each morning and night.—Irish Blessing
6. Try as they will, and try as they might, who steals me gold won’t live through the night.—Leprechaun
7. May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.—Irish Blessings
8. May luck be our companion May friends stand by our side May history remind us all Of Ireland’s faith and pride. May God bless us with happiness May love and faith abide. —Irish Blessing
These are about shamrocks, leprechauns, and other fanciful parts of St. Patrick’s Day:
9. For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way – Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.
10. If a man who cannot count finds a four-leaf clover, is he lucky?—Stanislaw J. Lec
11. May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go.—Irish Blessing
12. Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck
13. Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after. Poems and songs with pipes and drums A thousand welcomes when anyone comes. That’s the Irish for You! —Author Unknown
Leave a Reply