Irish exhibit and St. Patrick statue at Institute of Texan Cultures
(Photos by Tina Luther)

ITC exhibit highlights Irish history in Texas

(March 16, 2004)--In keeping with the popular March 17 observance of St. Patrick's Day, UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures offers a look at the history of the Irish in Texas. ITC's permanent Irish exhibit is one of the few of its kind in the state.

"The Irish have early connections with Texas and a long history filled with oppression, violence, individual ingenuity, faith and exciting stories," says John L. Davis in his book, "Texans One and All."

The exhibit features a life-size statue of St. Patrick, a model railroad track with mail car and a histowall (timeline) of the Irish in Texas. Other items on display were brought from Ireland by immigrants, including shamrocks, a pipe, a derby hat and a shillelagh (cane).

According to HolidayOrigins.com, St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was most likely born in Wales circa 385 A.D. After being sold into slavery at age 16 by Irish marauders, he converted to Christianity. He escaped and began a lifelong journey as a priest and bishop of Ireland and was successful at winning converts and establishing monasteries, schools and churches across Ireland. He retired March 17, 461, and the day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day, including the belief that he raised people from the dead and that his hilltop sermon drove all of the snakes from Ireland. Because no snakes were ever native to Ireland, some believe it is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans.

A traditional icon of the day is the shamrock, a representation St. Patrick used to teach converts with each leaf representing part of the Trinity (Father, Son or Holy Ghost). The wearing of green, the color of a shamrock, is a longstanding tradition of St. Patrick's Day. Originally a Catholic holy day, the day evolved into a secular observance.

The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737 when it was publicly celebrated in Boston.

Admission to ITC is free with UTSACard for UTSA students, faculty and staff.

For more information, call 210-458-2330 or visit www.texancultures.utsa.edu.