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St. Patrick's Day and its Animal Associations ☘️

  • 1.  St. Patrick's Day and its Animal Associations ☘️

    Posted 03-17-2025 08:49 AM
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    Did you know that the primary animal that is associated with St. Patrick's Day is the snake? This is due to the legend of Saint Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland, despite the fact that Ireland does not have a native snake population and never has even before the birth of Saint Patrick. Historians believe that this story was meant to be metaphorical instead of literal, serving as metaphor for Saint Patrick's rejection of paganism.
     
    Before Saint Patrick's transition to Christianity, he was captured by Irish invaders from his motherland of Britain and slaved away as a shepherd. For six years, his entire life was focused around animals. He would then escape back to Britain but eventually return to Ireland as a missionary.
     
    Considering the actual Saint Patrick's bleak association with animals, it is a wonder why so many pet costume contests and parades pop up around the holiday. Today, pet-themed St. Patrick's Day events have grown from the desire for pet families to feel festive during the transition to Spring and to celebrate their Irish pride.
     
    How do you and your pets celebrate St. Patrick's Day, if it all?


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    Kayla Anderson
    Veterinary Social Worker
    Program for Pet Health Equity
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