The Haps and the Hops: Saint Patrick’s Day

Green on the streets, green on the people, and green in the beer. Might get a ‘wee pinch if you’re not wearing some. But why green?

Saint Patrick’s day is the day that commemorates the death of Ireland’s Saint Patrick, as well as Ireland itself. The legend goes that Saint Patrick often used three-leaf clovers to explain his beliefs to people of other faiths, and thus the symbol of Ireland began. Green was worn by Irish revolutionaries attempting to rid the Island of the British, and soon green was associated as well.

So what is with all this “Kiss me I’m Irish and Lucky” business, and pinching?

Well, that is our custom here in the United States. Yes, we started those traditions, but not without the help of Irish immigrants in the early 1700’s. CSMonitor.com says that pinching was based off early Saint Patty’s day advocates believing that the wearing of green made you invisible to leprechauns, who would pinch whoever they could see, which left those not wearing green in danger. People would pinch each other as a little reminder.

Perhaps a bigger tradition than all the pinching and green is the indulgence. Today Saint Patty’s day is commemorated with a lot of brew, and a lot of food. It’s true, history designates this day as a festival day, a day with feasts and no limits. It’s a good day to be Irish.

Around Palomar College, several things are going to happen this Saint Patrick’s day. For one, green is going to be all over San Marcos; clothing, food, decorations, and even the beer may turn the color of the day. Two, pinches are going to be rampant, so be sure to wear green. Wearing green on Saint Patrick’s day can also benefit you in other ways, like getting a free stack of pancakes at Ihop, while surely avoiding those pinches . Three, lots of special events will happen right here in North County, like the 4th annual Saint Patrick’s day parade in Vista or perhaps pipers piping outside Churchill’s pub in San Marcos.

San Diego has it’s own celebrations, but here in North County there are several places worth checking out.The North County lifestyle guide advises the Urban Kitchen and Tap in Encinitas. Said to have a great Saint Patty’s day celebration, doling out $5 shots from 3 p.m. till closing, as well as serving corned beef and Guinness. Located on Highway 101, it is a bit of a drive from Palomar College, so plan transportation if you plan to celebrate here.

In Escondido there is O’Sullivans pub, which has been recognized as one of the top ten Irish pubs in the world by Ireland as said by Welcomes magazine. O’Sullivans is opening at 10 a.m. instead of 11:30 a.m, and everything in the bar will be a set price of five dollars all day. As well as a virtual all day happy hour, live bands will be playing as long as the brew is flowing; almost a guaranteed good time.

Churchill’s Pub and Grill is also worth mentioning. It is true that they will have pipers piping outside all day, and it is also said that they serve green beer on the day of celebration. In addition to their great selection of beer, they will serve the classic dishes of Ireland all day long.