1. March 17, observed by the Irish in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. 2. As good an excuse as any to drink green beer.

1. Preheat the over to 425 F. With a heavy pastry brush, coat a baking sheet evenly with the tablespoon of softened butter.
2. Sift the flour, soda and salt together into a deep mixing bowl. Gradually add 1 cup of the buttermilk, beating constantly with a large spoon until the dough is firm enough to be gathered into a ball. If the dough crumbles, beat up to 1/2 cup more buttermilk into it by the tablespoon until the particles adhere.
3. Place the dough on a lightly floured board, and pat and shape it into a flat, circular loaf about 8 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches thick. Set the loaf on the baking sheet. The, with the tip of a small knife, cut a 1/2-inch-deep X into the dough, dividing the top of the loaf into quarters.
4. Bake the bread in the middle of the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve at once.

One 8-inch round loaf