Saint Patrick’s Day—the holiday that is celebrated in more countries than any other national holiday. But what are its origins? In the 17th century, March 17th was made an official Christian feast day to commemorate the prominent patron saint, Saint Patrick of Ireland, and to celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate all things Irish. That’s why we’re sharing some traditional Irish folktales with you in this episode.

Woman of the Sea by Regi Carpenter (1:34)

That was “Woman of the Sea,” by Regi Carpenter, from her album “Diving and Emerging,” about a selkie—a mythological irish creature that is a seal in water and human on land. Often in these legends, female selkies are coerced into marriage by men who steal their seal skins. Once the selkie finds her skin again, she immediately returns to the sea. Learn more about Regi Carpenter by visiting: regicarpenter.com

The Peddler of Ballaghaderreen by Liz Weir (19:06)

“Ballaghaderreen” means “the way of the little oak grove,” and is a little town located in Country Roscommon, Ireland. Most peddlers go around selling goods, often illegal or stolen, but the peddler in this story is more of a saint. He generously gives people all of his possessions. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org

Death in a Nut by Jess Smith (25:22)

From her album "Dragonory", Jess Smith tells a Jack tale wherein Jack tricks death into hiding in order to save his mother. Learn more about Jess Smith by visiting: www.jesssmith.co.uk

Billy Beg and His Bull by Milbre Burch (39:14)

You’re familiar with the story of Cinderella, but you may not be familiar with the story of the “Irish Cinderlad,” also known as Billy Beg. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com