Every year on March 17, the Irish and Irish-at-heart observe and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day, celebrating the patron saint of Ireland, is now a worldwide holiday also celebrating Irish culture.
The man behind St. Patrick’s Day
Born in A.D. 387 in Britain, Patrick was kidnaped when he was 16 years old. He was taken by Irish raiders to be a slave to Gaelic Ireland. There, he spent 6 years working as a shepherd and found God. Eventually, Patrick escaped with the help of God and became a priest. After converting many pagan Irish to Christianity, working with the poor, spreading God’s message, and building churches, Patrick was ordained a bishop. March 17 is the date believed to be the death of St. Patrick in A.D. 461 in Saul.
Shamrocks
As a symbol of Ireland, the little 3-leaf clover was used as a symbol by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity. Shamrocks were also a symbol for the rebirth of spring. Today we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing the shamrock and the color green.
Leprechauns
The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is “lobaircin,” which means “small-bodied fellow.” The belief in leprechauns is believed to stem from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies. Leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure.
Holiday Foods
The traditional foods celebrated and eaten on St. Patrick’s Day is corned beef, cabbage, and shepherd’s pie. You can wash it all down with a glass of green beer.
How the U.S. celebrates the Irish holiday
Some traditions of St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. include: Shamrock marathons, dying rivers and fountains green, St. Patrick’s Day parades, and wearing green so you don’t get pinched.