St. Patrick’s Day- What is that?
Izabella Galvan (8)
St. Patrick’s day is a Christian holiday celebrated every March 17th. “Over half of Americans planned to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, with 79% of those celebrating wearing green” states https://gitnux.org/.
It’s a widely known holiday as St. Patrick’s day is celebrated all around the world! In Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdoms, America (of course), Australia, South Africa, and so many more places! You can never forget its origins in Ireland however. Although the holiday is so widely celebrated, many don’t know the real reasons why we celebrate it.
Who was St. Patrick?
Believe it or not, St. Patrick was a real saint! https://www.britannica.com/ explains that he was born in the late 4th century in Roman Britain. When he was 16 he was taken to Ireland as a slave, but he escaped. Eventually he decided to return to Ireland to spread the word of Christianity to all the Irish people in 432 CE. For the rest of his life he established monasteries, churches, and schools. After his death on March 17, 461 legends about miracles he performed were spoken about. He was honored greatly by feasts, religious services, and this holiday.
How is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated?
For St. Patrick’s day you might see your friends wearing green and pinch you if you aren’t. Apparently “people wear green on this occasion since shamrocks are commonly associated with this holiday.
According to fun folklore, you get pinched on St. Patrick’s Day for not wearing green because green makes you invisible to leprechauns.” https://www.realsimple.com/holidays states.
Wearing green, watching the parade, and going to church are all ways to celebrate. But what about in other countries? Well, in Ireland, parades last a whole five days in the country’s capital, Dublin. In Australia they have festivities such as three-legged racing and wheelbarrow racing. In Japan there’s an “I Love Ireland” festival. Around the world there are also many dishes served just for the holiday: shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and even green eggs and ham! Many restaurants dye their foods or drinks green and put up decorations such as shamrocks.
St. Patrick’s Day Symbolism
Shamrocks are obvious symbols, they were used by St. Patrick to represent the father, the son, and the holy spirit. Leprechauns are another one of the most famous symbols for St. Patrick’s day. Leprechauns are from Irish folklore and are known for their green outfits, orange hair, and buckle shoes. If you catch one it must grant you three wishes before being set free. Speaking of leprechauns, pots of gold are used as major symbolism as well. Leprechauns are known for guarding gold so plastic pots they’re often used as decorations.
The Irish flag is used as decorations for obvious reasons. Green buckle hats were often worn by leprechauns, sometimes nicknamed the leprechaun hat! Beer is widely drunk on St. Patrick’s day because, according to https://www.masteryourglass.com “St. Patrick’s Day first started to honor Saint Patrick on the anniversary of his death. The Christian people held a great feast for which Lenten food and alcohol restrictions were temporarily removed, therefore drinking has become synonymous with the holiday”
Conclusion
In conclusion, St. Patrick’s day is a very unique holiday! No others much like it. This St. Patrick’s day, on March 17th, on NBC you’ll be able to watch the parade! This spring break, have fun celebrating St. Patrick’s day if you will!