In Ireland, the shamrock is often worn on St. Patrick’s Day. Some wearers also follow an old custom called “drowning the shamrock”. How is this done?
A) By floating it down the Derry with a pinned-on prayer to St. Patrick B) By pouring whiskey over it before drinking ü C) By sprinkling it with water before wearing it D) By symbolically “baptizing” it in a wooden bowl
Legend has it that St. Patrick received a short measure of whiskey from a shady innkeeper. Patrick told the man that a devil dwelt in his cellar, feeding upon his dishonesty, which so alarmed him that he at once mended his ways. Receiving a much more generous serving on his next visit, Patrick remarked that the devil downstairs was now starving, and that everyone should have a generous glass on his feast day. Thus Pota Phadraig — Patrick’s Pot — came into being. Even if you have vowed to give up drink for Lent, you can take as much as you like from Patrick’s Pot with the saint’s blessing. On the last drink of the evening, the shamrock you have been wearing through the day is placed in the bottom of the glass, and after the toast and the downing of the whiskey, the “drowned” shamrock is thrown over the left shoulder.
