Today is March 17th, so that means it is Saint Patrick’s Day! It is the day celebrated around the globe by those of Irish descent, as well as those who are “Irish at heart.” The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. Interestingly enough, he wasn’t even born in Ireland! He was actually born in Roman Britain. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. At one point, he escaped from his enslavement, but ultimately, he returned to Ireland. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to the people of Ireland.
The people of Ireland began observing the Roman Catholic feast day of Saint Patrick on March 17th because the date of his death is thought to have been on March 17, 461. As the years passed, myths and legends about Saint Patrick have become more and more ingrained into the Irish culture. The most widely known legend is that Saint Patrick explained the Holy Trinity (which is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. This explains why shamrocks and the color green have become closely associated with Saint Patrick’s Day.
Saint Patrick’s Day is now celebrated globally with parades and festivals. It is interesting to note that the first parade in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day did not take place in Ireland, but rather in the United States on March 17th, 1762. This parade was comprised of Irish soldiers serving in the English military before American had won her independence from Britain. The parade was held in New York City.
So, how do leprechauns, pots of gold and rainbows tie into Saint Patrick’s Day? In Irish lore, a leprechaun is an Irish fairy, except this fairy isn’t a typical pretty fairy. Instead, a leprechaun is a two-foot tall, old man with pointy ears! He wears a green suit and top hat and carries a big stick called a shillelagh. He uses his shillelagh to scare people away who try to steal his pot of gold! He likes to spend his time doing nothing more than seeking more gold! Leprechauns are said to be inherently lucky and they find the gold they are seeking at the end of rainbows. This myth has led to the creation of the saying, “The luck of the Irish.”
Now that you are armed with a bit of history and lore of this fun day, I sincerely hope that you have yourself a very Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
You did a great job telling the history of St Patty’s Day. It’s important to share the history behind things and events… thank you!
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My pleasure, Eloise! I love digging up historical facts. I always did well in school with reports! lol 🙂
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The first parade was held on March 17, 1762! The world’s oldest and largest parade… Today, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
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Yes, Marzena! I found that fact to be quite interesting myself! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! 🙂
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Thank you for the leap back in history. I didn’t know the legend of St Patrick or why is it celebrated. However, I would like to know what’s the connection with the heavy drinking, haha 🙂
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Green!! one of the reason i like st.patrick’s day. Gotta check the parade out once
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I am a history nerd so I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the historical context behind St Patrick’s day and why do you think it is such a popular festivity worldwide?!
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It wasn’t until the mid-60’s that the parades that are now associated with celebrating SaintPatrick’s Day turned from being militaristic to a more social parade of floats and various forms of entertainment. As far as the popularity of the holiday worldwide, I have no proof but I will venture to guess that it has more to do with marketing and capitalists wanting to make money more than anything else! 😉
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I’ve always wondered what on earth this day was all about so thanks for this post! Interesting to hear that he wasn’t even born in Ireland and that it was first celebrated in the USA!
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Thanks for sharing this info. St. Patrick’s Day is not that well celbrated here in the Philippines. But little by little some people here are celebrating his day.
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Great info. I miss living on the East Coast and being able to actually attend the St Patrick’s Day parade in NY! 😦
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I found this really interesting. I love reading about the origins of traditions. How strange that the first parade was in the States. It’s also odd that we celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the UK but St George’s day is just a normal day.
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I never knew the history of St. Patrick’s Day so thank you for sharing this!
Southern Soul
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What a great history recap of St. Patrick’s Day! It was so much fun to read.
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I never bothered looking up the history of St. Patrick’s day, very informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
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Thanks for improving our knowledge , we didnt know it ..nice post
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Never knew so much about St pats day! Very informative!
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I have Irish in my blood, you’ve wrote a great post on St Patrick’s Day 🙂
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I have some Irish in my lineage, as well! Thank you, Kerry! 🙂
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I may be a natural red head, but I was sadly not blessed with Irish heritage. All of this information is new and fascinating to me. I’ve always wondered about the significance of the shamrock! The St. Patricks day parade has always been a big deal in South Boston near where I live and I’ve always wanted to attend! Thanks for providing all of this factual as well as fun information 🙂
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Thanks for sharing the history and various facts and information about this day!
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