Author Archives: Debra Mendelson

St. Patrick’s Day

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What is St. Patrick’s Day and why is it celebrated?  See below.

St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Pittsburgh (fair warning – it is CRAZY!!!!!!)

http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Best-of-the-Burgh-Blogs/The-412/March-2015/5-Dont-Miss-Events-in-Pittsburghs-St-Patricks-Week-Celebration/

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/03/11/Pittsburgh-officials-outline-plans-for-Saturday-s-St-Patrick-s-Day-festivities/stories/201503110180

If celebrating, please be safe!!!!

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The Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized the first observance of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States in 1737.  The tradition of celebrating this day continued to grow with the influx of Irish immigrants to the United States.

St Patrick’s Day, on March 17, remembers one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick. It largely celebrates Irish-American culture in the United States but many non – Irish descendants enjoy the celebrations too . Celebrations include Irish themed parties, drinks and food. Many people get into the spirit by dressing in green clothing and eating green colored food. Irish clubs and pubs often hold parties.

St Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Schools, businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport systems run on their regular schedules. The parades may be on or around March 17, so it is a good idea to check local sources for the exact location, date and time.  Many parades are held throughout the country to celebrate the holiday. New York City  has become the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world, outside Ireland. Thousands  participate in the parade, including bands, firefighters, military and police groups, county associations, emigrant societies, and social and cultural clubs and was watched by close to 2 million spectators lining the streets. The parade marches up 5th Avenue in Manhattan and is always led by the U.S. 69th Infantry Regiment. New York politicians – or those running for office – are always found prominently marching in the parade. 

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The most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity

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 For fun ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day including arts and crafts for children check out our Au Pair in America Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/st-patrick-s-day-shenanigans/

 

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 8 at 2:00 am

Daylight Saving Time
During DST, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.  Today, approximately 70 countries worldwide utilize Daylight Saving Time in at least some portion of the country.  If you don’t come from one of those countries, I am guessing that the idea may seem strange to youSpringForward.

Before you go to bed on March 7, be sure to set the clocks forward one hour!