Erin Go Braless

The start of this pleasant custom was first recounted by the poet Finn McCool, who wrote that Erin, the youngest daughter of the Warrior Bard Eamon, was the first to mark its observance in this fashion.  And it was with the highest sort of permission, I must add.  It was in the Days of the Troubles.  At that time, the Good St. Patrick (Patron of Ireland) revisited the Emerald Isle to see that no snakes had re-infiltrated into the land.  They didn't; but a different kind of pestilence had visited the sons and daughters of the Hibernian race: t'was the English now.  They were bearing bad food, Protestantism, a language oppressive to the ears, and most vile beer to beset that unfortunate land!  Patrick was tired and sad at the state of things and the sorrows of Ireland; and he called at a humble cottage wherein dwelt Erin, who was at that time making porridge.  Patrick asked for water, and perhaps, if she could spare some, soda bread.  And Erin gave him fine water, and delicious soda bread and some nourishing Irish stew.  She also gave him a tasty pretzel and a bottle of Guinness. 

Patrick inquired as to the porridge, and she said, "Oh, this is for God's Little People; they must eat also.  "This impressed Patrick, who was reassured that the Irish were still true to the old traditions.  And he told Erin, "Tonight 'tis the Rising of the Moon." Erin understood, and she later informed her father Eamon.  The good St. Patrick assured Our Heroine that one day Ireland will be free of the English overlords.  And as a token he permitted all Irish women to forgo wearing brassieres on March 17th.  That is why they say, "Erin Go Braless."

'Tis a fine tradition: approved by a Saint.