Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a yearly holiday celebrated on March 17th. It is named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close.

Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green-colored clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately.

Wearing of the Green

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St. Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre Christian Irish. The wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a customary feature of the day. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from the song of the same name.

Monday, March 1, 2010

March's
semi precious stone of the month is Aquamarine


Aquamarine is the "Stone of Courage".  It is a member of the beryl family and ranges in color from an almost colorless pale blue to a dark blue and sometimes blue-green.  It gets it name from the Latin words meaning "Water of the Sea".   This stone is attuned to the ocean and helps us to get in touch with natures spirit of the sea. Take sometime, close your eyes, breathe deep and remember sitting on the beach at dusk, the water coming in, the cool breeze…this is aquamarines gift to you.