Reeling Back

Today (March 17) is Saint Patrick's Day, an occasion for the wearing of the green. It is often marked by the consumption of green-tinted beverages and the singing of songs in praise of pretty Irish girls. Which reminds me that we are midway though Women's History Month, and that the British-born Patrick shares the title of Patron Saint of Ireland with Brigit of Kildare. Worth noting, too, is that the 5th-century Catholic nun is prominent among the (many) holy figures recognized as a patron saint of brewers. Practitioners of the craft delight in the tale of the time that she provided refreshment to a colony of thirsty lepers by turning her own bathwater into a tub of beer. In terms of women's history, though, Saint Brigit is best known for negotiating with Patrick on behalf of single women who were demanding the right to propose marriage to men. Though Patrick offered to allow it once every seven years, Brigit persisted, and he finally agreed to once every four years. Their legendary deal is often cited as the origin of the Leap Year custom of women popping the question to prospective mates on February 29. It may also have inspired Li'l Abner comic strip artist Al Capp to create Sadie Hawkins Day, the Dogpatch holiday first mentioned in November, 1937. Or not. The Irish are famous for the inventiveness of their bards, poets, novelists and playwrights, many of whom may have kissed the Blarney Stone more than once. As for Irish cinema, one fine comic celebration of arts in the Emerald Isle is 1995's A Man of No Importance.