
Patron of Ireland, engineers, herpetologists
FEAST DAY MARCH 17
We have all enjoyed the green flair and parades of good ol’ Saint Paddy’s Day. But, we rarely stop to consider the saint behind the day, Saint Patrick of Ireland. Often depicted herding snakes off the green isle in a robust Bishop’s garb, his legends and his story have entertained and inspired generations. But, does he deserve an entire holiday?
Although he is generally credited with driving the snakes from Ireland, the originally icy island was anthropologically shown to be without snakes and as an island, did not see the appearance of snakes until modern times. In fact, Ireland just recorded the first venomous...