Get Ready To Go Green — St. Patrick's Day Is Almost Here!
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St. Patrick's Day, celebrated annually on March 17, is a lively holiday that honors the most famous of Ireland's three patron saints. Though widely known for its parades, shamrocks, and everything green, the day's roots are steeped in history.
The origins of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is Ireland's biggest holiday. But the clergyman it honors was not Irish. Maewyn Succat, as he was then called, was born in Britain in 387 AD. He was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to work in the sheep farms in Ireland. Succat escaped six years later and returned to Britain. After spending 15 years in a monastery, he went back to Ireland to spread Christianity. Historians believe Patrick, as he was later called, died in Ireland on March 17, 461 AD.
Over time, Patrick became linked to many legendary feats, including driving all the snakes out of Ireland, though none ever lived there. These tales transformed the once unknown clergyman into a revered figure. By the seventh century, St. Patrick became known as the patron saint of Ireland. His death anniversary, March 17, was chosen to celebrate his life and work.
St. Patrick's Day was initially marked by church services and feasts in Ireland. However, over the years, it has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture with festive and playful traditions. Here are some of the most beloved customs.
Parades
Parades are a central part of the celebration. They feature bagpipers, Irish dancers, marching bands, and colorful floats. The first St. Patrick's Day Parade took place in New York City in 1762. Organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British Army, it is now one of the world's largest such gatherings.
Shamrocks and leprechauns
The shamrock, a three-leafed plant that St. Patrick famously used to explain the Holy Trinity, is a common symbol of the holiday. People wear shamrocks and even use them to decorate food. For kids, one of the most exciting St. Patrick's Day tradition is setting leprechaun traps. The tiny Irish fairies, often depicted as little bearded men wearing green coats and hats, are believed to know the location of pots of gold. They can also grant the finder three wishes. Unfortunately, no one has seen these elusive creatures, let alone caught them.
Wearing green
When the Order of St. Patrick was established in the 1780s, the preferred color was blue. Green was introduced to the festivities in the 1790s. The color represents Irish nationalism and Ireland's lush green landscape. Today, everything from the Chicago River to monuments like France's Eiffel Tower turn green on St. Patrick's Day.
The origin of pinching people not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is unclear. Some think it is because of the green bruise left by a fierce pinch. Others believe that wearing green makes the person invisible to leprechauns. This makes it easier to catch the crafty fairies.
Food
Eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day is an American tradition. It was started by early Irish settlers who could only afford meat once a week. Since beef was cheap, it became the meat of choice. In Ireland, however, people usually eat bacon or lamb on this day.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Resources: History.com, Wikipedia.org, Today.com
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27 Comments
colmans8 daysI found a four leaf clover in my yard twice😲- colmans8 daysI have no idea what you do on this day, I just chill
- bamuvyfa-1724544334278 dayshAPPY ST.PATRICKS DAY
- kygifybuviha8 daysUh Oh... I didn't wear green, I hope I don't get pinched! I am eating a green bagel and a clover Rice Krispie treat, is that enough? LOL!
- bamuvyfa-1724544334278 daysI don't think so
erika128 daysThe article was so interesting
happy123788 dayscool- honzyo11 daysinteresting
tumblinggirl12 daysIf dont wear green your going to get pinched so you better
daby912 daysI love st.patrick 😍- daby912 daysI don't have any green pants or shirts
kosakecavymiabout 5 hoursthats sad
