St Patrick’s Day

Last week I was chatting with a customer who had been admiring our St Patrick’s day window and in particular our shamrocks that had 3 leaves on them. I knew that St Patrick’s day celebrated the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, I think I learnt that in school! However the lady explained to me that the 3 leaf clovers represented the holy trinity – the father, son and Holy Spirit, something I wasn’t aware of!https://magpiesnest.co.uk/product/white-rose-gold-four-leaf-clover/ I hadn’t paid much attention to the number of leaves on shamrocks as I always assumed 4 was lucky. This is one of the great things about having a shop, you are constantly learning new things and I love it when a customer see’s something we have done, which then sparks a conversation off. I decided then that I would do some more research and do a blog this week about St Patrick’s Day.

St Patrick’s day is a pubic holiday in Ireland – but its interestingly one of the most celebrated festivals around the world. With many famous landmarks being lit up green on St Patrick’s Day. Now this could be something to do with a well known Irish drink linking themselves to the event and encouraging us all to head to our local pubs for a Irish party!! Locally I think the New Stalybridge Labour Club have got a Irish band on this Friday.. You can buy your tickets here: https://www.newstalybridgelabourclub.com/product/st-patricks-day-march-20th-2020/

If you are heading to a party then Make sure you look the part with some Shamrock themed accessories, which are available in store and online https://magpiesnest.co.uk/product/shamrock-print-scarf/

Another tradition that I came across while researching St Patrick’s was the “drowning of the Shamrock” which is also sometimes known as “wetting the shamrock”. This tradition is usually at the end of the evening and a shamrock is placed at the bottom of a glass, which is then filled with Irish drink ( whiskey, beer or cider) The drink is then drunk as a toast to St Patrick and those present. The shamrock is either swallowed or pulled out of the drink and thrown over the shoulder for good luck. If you like the idea of this, but not sure where to get some shamrocks from  try Marie at Four Seasons Flowers next door to Tesco Petrol Station had some Shamrocks in store earlier this week. https://www.facebook.com/fsfFourSeasonsFlowers/

We have decided to dress in green tomorrow and wear our shamrock themed items and hold a lucky prize draw in store – so its worth venturing out into the town centre, as one lucky customer will win a fab prize. Keep hold of your receipt, as the winner will be chosen at random by the receipt number. We will advertise the winning receipt number on our social media and in our emails. I’ll update this post as well with the winners details.

Finally from all of us at the Nest : May Your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you where ever you go. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.