On March 17th every year, people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But who is St. Patrick? Is he just a guy who loves all things green and drinks green beer? Perhaps not, but he is the patron saint of Ireland and lived during the 5th century. After being kidnapped and dragged to Ireland as a slave, he brought Christianity to the people. He was thought to have explained the Holy Trinity by using the three leaves of the shamrock (an Irish clover). St. Patrick supposedly died on March 17, 461. The holiday is not all about green beer and parades. St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday in Ireland and Roman Catholics observe the feast of St. Patrick every March 17th. Read more of The History of St. Patrick’s Day. Carolina Outfitters and Carolina Ocoee have put together some of our favorite Irish blessings for you to enjoy in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! 
May the leprechauns be near you,
To spread luck along your way.
And may all the Irish angels,
Smile upon you St. Patrick’s Day
~*~
There are good ships and wood ships,
ships that sail the sea,
but the best ships are friendships,
and may they always be.
~*~
May the luck of the Irish possess you.
May the devil fly off with your worries.
May God bless you forever and ever.
~*~
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
~*~
May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands,
May the sun’s rays from the Irish sky warm your face,
May the children’s bright smiles warm your heart,
May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul.
May your best day of your past
be the worst day of your future.
~*~
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
~*~
May the roof above us never fall in.
And may the friends fathered below it never fall out.
~*~
A wish that every day for you will be
happy from the start
and may you always have good luck
and a song within your heart.
~*~
For each petal on the shamrock,
this brings a wish your way:
Good health, good luck,
and happiness for today and every day.
May peace and plenty bless your world
With a joy that long endures
And may all life’s passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours.
~*~
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
~*~
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
~*~
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
~*~
May the grace of God’s protection
And His great love abide
Within your home-within the hearts
Of all who dwell inside.
As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point the wrong way.
~*~
May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.
~*~
May the friendships you make,
Be those which endure,
And all of your gray clouds
Be small ones for sure.
And trusting in Him
To Whom we all pray,
May a song fill your heart,
Every step of the way.
~*~
May brooks and trees and singing hills
Join in the chorus, too.
And every gentle wind that blows
Send happiness to you.
~*~
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night,
and a smooth road all the way to your door.
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as a song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long.
~*~
May luck be your friend in whatever you do
And may trouble always be a stranger to you.
~*~
Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play.
Laughter to outweigh each care,
in your heart a song,
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long.
~*~
An old Irish recipe for longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the bar thirsty.
~*~
These things, I warmly wish for you-
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit of o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer.
And a guardian angel always near.
~*~
It’s whitewater rafting season on the Nantahala River and the Ocoee River! Book your spring, summer, and fall adventure with us this season! We at Carolina Outfitters and Carolina Ocoee wish you a very happy St. Patrick’s Day! And remember God is good, but never dance in a small boat. Unless, of course, you want to go for a swim!
