Every March, Saint Patrick’s Day comes around on the 17. The holiday celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, who is known for bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. In older times, Irish catholics would observe the holiday by eating with family, going to church, or celebrating quietly at home. However, these days, when Saint Patrick’s Day, also known as St. Paddy’s, comes up, that isn’t the celebration most people have in mind. Instead, shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows, and the color green are regarded as the main staples of this fun, exciting holiday that celebrates Irish pride.
In the fifteenth century, Saint Patrick came to Ireland as a former slave and spread Christianity throughout the country. Irish celebrations of the Saint were often tame and family-oriented, with church services and feasts. However, when Irish emigrants came to the United States, the celebrations of the holiday evolved into a greater celebration of Irish culture.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in a number of ways. Parades have become a popular way to celebrate the holiday, especially in New York and Boston, which organize some of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country. Parades often include aspects of traditional Irish culture, such as music and dancing, leprechauns, shamrocks, and lots of green. Additionally, Chicago goes all out by dyeing the Chicago River green, starting off the celebrations. Parties with friends and family are often thrown as well to appreciate Irish culture and enjoy the incoming spring weather.
If you’re curious about how to become involved with the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, there are quite a few traditions you can partake in. The most classic and easiest way to show St. Paddy’s pride is by wearing green. Legend has it that wearing green is considered good luck on the holiday and protects you from being pinched by any leprechauns wandering around. Another fun activity to do during the holiday is making leprechaun traps with craft supplies you may have lying around your house. This craft is particularly fun if you have any little siblings to share the holiday magic with. If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate Irish customs, eating corned beef and cabbage, two traditional Irish foods eaten during the holiday, listening to Irish music, such as Irish folk or Irish rock, and doing a little more research on St. Patrick, who the holiday is based around, are some great ways to feel some Irish spirit.
Saint Patrick’s Day, which once started as a small, religious holiday, has grown enormously, becoming a national holiday that highlights appreciation for Irish culture and how it has shaped America today.
