Top O' the morning to you! It's that time, March 17th, to wear our green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Even if you are not Irish, it's still fun to celebrate the day, whether it be wearing O' the green or attending a parade.
St. Patrick's Day is in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Britain near the end of the fourth century. At the age of 16, Irish raiders attacked Patrick's family's estate and made him prisoner. He spent those 6 years while imprisoned, as a shepherd. It was during this time of loneliness and fear that he turned to his religion. He believed he heard the voice of God in a dream to escape, and so Patrick did just this. While back in Britain, it was believed he had another dream. This time, an angel spoke and told him he must go to Ireland and become a missionary. After 15 years of religious training and eventually priesthood, he left for Ireland. Most Irish at the time practiced a nature-based pagan religion. Patrick intertwined symbols that the Irish were familiar with and those symbols which represented Christianity as a way of teaching about God. It was believed that he used the shamrock as a symbol of the holy trinity. He converted many leaders and whole clans to Christianity. Legend has it that he rid Ireland of snakes. Ireland already being rid of snakes, this legend is believed to be a metaphor for removing Ireland of pagan religions and ideas. It is believed that St. Patrick died on March 17th, around 460 A.D.
St. Patrick's Day is more of a religious holiday in Ireland, as Christmas and Easter are to Americans. It is mostly spent in church and then family gather for a nice meal. They now have parades and open pubs that day, but mostly because of tourists who celebrate the day as Americans do.
There are so many reasons for falling in love with Ireland and it's people. Celebrate this St. Patrick's Day, Irish or not. You'll be glad you did! Remember to where green or you just may be pinched. Better to be safe than sorry. Happy St. Patty's Day!
For more information on St. Patrick's Day and special events in your area, click on this link below!
