March 17th is the religious feast day and the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick and has been observed for over a thousand years. Irish families traditionally attended church in the morning and celebrated in the afternoon. Their traditional feast was Irish bacon and cabbage, and there would be much drinking and toasting for luck and happiness. Today, St. Patrick Day is celebrated by Irish and non-Irish alike. Everyone is “Irish” on March 17th.
History of Toasting
Throughout history, toasting has been used to mark special occasions in almost every country. The custom traces back to biblical times. The first recorded was in England in 450 AD. It was made at a feast given by British King Vortigen to his Saxon allies for good health and fortune.
With the passing of time, toasting has evolved in different stages and for different occasions. St. Patrick’s Day is one of those occasions.
History of Irish Toasts
Irish folklore is replete with inspirational quotes, stories and songs about happiness, love and luck. Such inspirational stories and songs have, throughout Irish history, helped the Irish cope with difficulties. Since Irishmen have always loved celebrating, it is not surprising that some of these inspirational and colorful sayings were transformed into Irish toasts to show support, understanding, and friendship among the hard-working Irish.
Irish Blessing Toasts
The following famous Celtic blessings and prayers are appropriate for inspirational toasts on St. Patrick’s day, or on any day:
May the road rise up to meet you. / May the wind always be at your back. / May the sun shine warm upon your face, / and rains fall soft upon your fields. / And until we meet again, / May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May God give you... / For every storm, a rainbow, / For every tear, a smile, / For every care, a promise, / And a blessing in each trial. / For every problem life sends, / A faithful friend to share, / For every sigh, a sweet song, / And an answer for each prayer.
May the blessing of light be on you... / Light without and light within. / May the blessed sunlight shine on you, / And warm your heart, / Ttill it glows like a great peat fire.
May love and laughter light your days.../ And warm your heart and home. / May good and faithful friends be yours, / Wherever you may roam. / May peace and plenty bless your world, / With joy that long endures. / May all life's passing seasons / Bring the best to you and yours!
Irish Sayings and Funny Toasts
There are many Irish sayings and toasts that are suitable for toasting friendship, happiness, good luck, or for providing humor to the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
For friendship and luck:
Wishing you a rainbow... / For sunlight after showers— / Miles and miles of Irish smiles / For golden happy hours— / Shamrocks at your doorway / For luck and laughter too, / And a host of friends that never ends / Each day your whole life through!
My friends are the best friends... / Loyal, willing and able. / Now let’s get to drinking! / All glasses off the table!
If you’re lucky enough to be Irish... / You’re lucky enough!
May your pockets be heavy... / Your heart be light, / And may good luck pursue you / Each morning and night
To spread luck along your way, / And may all the Irish angels / Smile upon you on St. Patrick’s Day.
May the leprechauns be near you... /
May the luck of the Irish... / Lead to happiest heights, / And the highway you travel / Be lined with green lights.
For happiness:
Dance as if no one were watching... / Sing as if no one were listening, / And live every day as if it were your last.
/ Than the happiest day of your past.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse...
... / The wife of your choice to you. / A child every year to you, / And life without rent to you. / And may you be half an hour in heaven / Before the devil knows your dead.
Health and long life to you
/ A full moon on a dark night, / And the road downhill all the way to your door.
May you have warm words on a cold evening...
May your smile be big and wide, / And may your pockets always have / A coin or two inside!
May your heart be light and happy... /
For humor:
There are many good reasons for drinking... / One has just entered my head. / If a man doesn't drink when he's living, / How in the hell can he drink when he's dead?
Here’s to a long life and a merry one... / A quick death and an easy one / A pretty girl and an honest one / A cold beer – and another one!
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