St. Chug Chug’s Day & The Feast of the Sorrowful Morrow
Posted on March 17th, 2010 –
I have to say, if you’re reading this sober on or about St. Patrick’s day, and you have no existing medical condition that would cause or necessitate this state (sobriety), I believe you’ve missed the point. Never is the Irish tradition of drinking more deeply ingrained than on this sacred day. And I can’t think of another day, with maybe the exception of New Year’s, where imbibing is an almighty imperative. Maybe Halloween.
And, while we’re talking Irish, let’s talk cops.
Hey, I just calls ‘em like I sees ‘em. The coppers were front and centre in the St. Patty’s Day Parade. I didn’t put ‘em there. But if that’s not supporting the Irish, I dunno what is. Then again, they do support Santa Claus.
By the way, all the photos here were taken this past Sunday, they seem more much apropos today, don’t you think? It was all green, white, and orange down Yonge Street then; today it’s mostly an excuse to get shitfaced.
Haha! I kid. Most of these people have been sloshed since Sunday. But it’s all in good fun. Not like anyone’s suggesting you go drinking and driving or anything.
The Irish certainly have no shortage of pride. One of the fun parts of the procession were the straggly groups of people, each carrying a banner announcing the county they represented. If it wasn’t for the occasional live band accompanying them, you’d never be able to tell the people strolling in the parade apart from the people strolling into the parade.
Except for the dancing. There weren’t many of us in the sidelines the could prance about without moving our arms; it’s a skill, I’ll grant.
But if you want the real, comprehensive meaning of St. Patrick’s Day, check out the next photo. I’m almost certain I’d seen the Philippine Heritage Band at another parade at some time, they just seem to be hitching gigs with whatever parade is coming up next.
But that’s cool. Everyone can get blotto on St. Patrick’s Day, it doesn’t matter where you come from. If the Philippine community want to celebrate their libations, why should that be an issue? I have to admit, I don’t mind being associated with this day. I suspect my patron saint was more concerned with snakes or some such nonsense, but if this is how he’s remembered then he must’ve been an okay guy.
I don’t drink that much these days; three pints is usually about the limit. I can handle my drink okay, it’s just that the recovery period afterwards is getting longer. But hey, if God gave us this day to get hammered, who am I to argue? As long as wise choices were made the previous evening, projectile vomiting is probably the worst-case scenario the following morning.
And then get your shit together because you’re late … it’s only Thursday! Also known as St. Patrick’s Purgeatory.
... with pictures
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... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
March 18th, 2010 12:05 am
Wow! I'm forgoing the horrible pun about being green with envy, but damn, your St. Patrick's day was clearly a lot more fun than mine was!
March 18th, 2010 4:27 pm
That is pretty punny, Sarah :) But it wasn't all fun and games for me … having to deal with Irish people all day. Can you imagine?!
March 18th, 2010 1:50 am
Wow, I'm really missing out on all the fun.
Next year…
March 18th, 2010 4:28 pm
You should definitely come, Heather. This is the one parade where you can still get a good spot for spectating. All the other ones are packed to the rafters.
March 18th, 2010 5:56 am
ya….darn kids getting in the way of my heavy drinking in support of our Irish Brethrens. :P btw, never have I seen quite so many Delorians in one stretch. Guess none of them made it up to 88 MPH in THAT crowd.
March 18th, 2010 4:30 pm
Hey, Renee. No, not a single one traveled through time. However, there was one car at the end that was done up to look *exactly* like the DeLorian from Back to the Future. Wish I had that kinda money :)
March 21st, 2010 1:48 pm
I too, find the recovery period is a little longer these days. Like three days long. So this year, only two beers and a shot to 1/3 of my heritage passed my lips. I feel all responsible and stuff…nothing like my Irish friends :)
Ha! Kidding!
March 23rd, 2010 6:26 am
The Irish are like you and me, Kato. Regular people trying to get about their lives as best as they can. And on the weekends, I.R.A. reservists.