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: it was the English now. They came bearing bad food, Protestantism, a most distressing language that is oppressive to the ears, bad dental work, and most vile beer to beset that unfortunate land that had been formerly blest! St. Patrick was tired and sad at the state of things and the sorrows of Ireland that he saw; 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 that stuck to his ribs! 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 eassured that the Irish were still true to the old traditions. When Erin lamented the Sorrows of Repression, he told Erin, "Tonight 'tis the Rising of the Moon."*
Erin understood, and she soon ran to inform her father Eamon.
Patrick assured Our Heroine that today Ireland will be free of the English overlords and that the Irish were to celebrate their freedom each year on His Day: specifically, the drinking of green beer and the eating of corned beef and cabbage. And as a token to the lasses he permitted all Irish women to forgo wearing brassieres on March 17th in symbolism of their freedom!.
That is why they say, "Erin Go Braless."
'Tis a fine tradition: approved by a Saint.
* From the song, "Rising of the Moon":
All along that singing river that black mass of men was seen,
High above their shining weapons flew their own beloved green.
"Death to every foe and traitor! Whistle out the marching tune."
And hurrah my boys for freedom; 'tis the rising of the moon".
