Top o’ the morning to you, lads and lasses!
I cannot believe it’s already March! This year has flown by so far. As you surely know, March brings a very special holiday for many, whether they be Irish or just fans of festivities.
This year, Provident would like to help get our customers in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by sharing a little history of the holiday and…dun dun dun…giving away some gold!
Patrick (no known last name has been recorded) was born to a British family, rich in theology. At age 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to work in Northern Ireland for six years as a shepherd. During his enslavement, he developed his spiritual life and converted to Christianity. After six years of arduous labor, Patrick heard a voice telling him he was to be delivered from captivity by a ship.
Patrick fled from his captors to find the ship, and he was indeed rescued and returned home. Not long after he returned home, Patrick had a vision in which he believed God told him he needed to return to the land of his captors and share the gospel with those he should abhor.
Obediently, Patrick did return to Northern Ireland and led thousands to Christ. According to historical documents, Patrick used a shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish people.
Surprisingly, Patrick was never formally canonized by the Catholic church, though, he has been widely regarded as a saint since his death on March 17, 460.
In the late 9th century, St. Patrick’s Day was developed as a way to pay homage to the man who conquered bitterness to spread the gospel. While traditions vary from country to country, St. Patrick’s Day is a well-loved holiday, universally.
In the United States, we employ many cultural stereotypes on St. Patrick’s Day; we use copious amounts of green decorations, shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots o’ gold to show off Irish pride.
While there might not be a connection between St. Patrick and leprechauns and pots of gold, learning their Irish history is interesting. According to Irish lore, the leprechauns found gold left by Viking plunderers when the (to them) giants abandoned their land. To protect their treasure, they would bury their pots of gold. If you could find the end of a rainbow, you would stumble upon the gold. While this is a fun story, science tells us rainbows are actually circles, so good luck searching!
You might not find a pot of gold, but Provident would like to give you the chance to win a gold bar! Simply comment below, and let me know 
how you plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. One winner will randomly be chosen on March 17, 2017 to receive a 1 Gram Gold Bar from PAMP Suisse! Comments must be placed by March 16 at 11:59 PM.
Here’s hoping you have the luck of the Irish and enjoy a little bit o’ gold!
Happy Stacking!
-J
Marching in the St. Pat parade down greenville, then celebrate with friends and family until the cows come home.
Alas, I will be working, but hopefully it will be a fun day at work.
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I will light a candle for all those suffering in physical pain or mental anguish. I will share the moment with my Children, and tell them how St. Patrick left his home to help save those who once kept him captive.
At night we will share a traditional Irish meal. And after the Children are off to bed, my wife and U will enjoy s few adult beverages.
Will be on the road with my family looking for new adventures and life long memories!
Attending a St. Patty’s party in the pm with good friends
I am going on a two day drunk! My birthday is March 16th!
Red hair and freckles nothing is more beautiful to me. I love you Joy.
Corned beef and cabbage, Guinness and Jameson… every year!
I’ll be working on the St. Paddy’s Day. That evening I will be enjoying some fine Irish whiskey, probably some Red Breast Single Pot.
Very Interesting article! Definitely did not know any of this!
As for St. Patty’s Day, who knows!?! It’ll be a good day regardless!
Thanks for the contest and Enjoy your weekend!
Guinness with a potato garnish!
I’m going to celebrate by cooking corned beef and cabbage.
Wish we could have corned beef and cabbage, like when I was a kid, but my wife can’t stand the stuff. We’ll probably have green pancakes for breakfast though.
One of my favorite days of the year i make a traditional boiled dinner for my wife and stepkids and we dress up our two dogs up green outfits and my family green sweater and be happy to have loving family together KEEP STACKING
We always look forward to the traditional corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes with carrots meal. It is always excellent when coupled with a Guiness Extra Stout!
My Dad was born on ST Pat’s day so it’s a special celebration for this family!
Love the “green”, even the beer!
Hopefully I will be celebrating 1 gram richer!!!! But if not I’ll still be spending the day working at the fire station.
Getting together with longtime friends, remembering old times and enjoying a nice corned beef & cabbage feast and a few beers.
Happy St Patrick’s day!
I will certainly wear green, drink an Irish Ale, and listen to some music from U2 and the Corrs, all while celebrating my daughters birthday!
Unfortunately I plan on celebrating St Patrick’s day at work…..then a trip the the casino after to try some Irish Luck!
I will be able to celebrate St. Pattys for the first time in several years by wearing green and going out with friends to drink green beer and Irish car bombs.
Corned beef and cabbage and beer-what else?
Most likely wearing green, bar-hopping, and hopefully winning a gram of gold!
I plan on wearing a green cycling jersey and going for a bike ride. If it looks like the next day (Saturday is going to be good weather), then my St. Patrick’s day ride will be short (20 miles) and if the Saturday weather is not good, I will ride closer to 50 miles on St. Patrick’s day. Green beer afterward will taste great.
I’ll be browsing Provident’s Website in search of me lucky charms…and probably some silver too!
I plan to celebrate St Patricks Day starting with visiting my father who is ill and after that get together with my brothers and go out to eat a traditional meal and of course drink a little green beer.
Since 2006 I have been watching The Boondock Saints every St. Patrick’s day. My friend and I started this tradition while we were on deployment. Ever since no matter where we were in the world we would watch the movie. One of my favorite traditions of the year.
Cheers!
Hope to make it to Mass