St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world on March 17^th each year. It is a public holiday in Ireland that represents the culture and traditions of Ireland. It was a religious celebration with an official Christian feast day in the early 17^th century. The day commemorates St Patrick who was Ireland’s patron saint. It is said that he died on March 17^th in or around the year 493. St Patrick ministered to Christianity in Ireland during the 5^th century so the day is celebrated in countries by people of Irish descent.

Who was St Patrick?

He was the patron saint of Ireland, known for preaching Christianity in Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain in the 4^th century. At the early age of 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He managed to escape and returned to Britain where he came in contact with Christian missionaries. After that, he came back to Ireland and spread Christianity among Irish people which made a large number of people convert into Christians.

How People celebrate St Patrick’s Day

People relate the day to fun-filled activities, dancing, and drinking throughout the day. Wearing green is a must along with traditional food- corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, potatoes to relish. Since green color is strongly associated with this day so opting for salads and green smoothies or adding a few drops of green color to food is a great representation of this day. Joining a St Patrick’s Day parade will be a good experience. Some people go to Church or St Patrick’s Purgatory and pray for atonement and spiritual healing.  Listening to Irish music that includes The Clancy Brothers, The Wolf Tones, Van Morrison, The Pogues, The Cranberries and The Dubliners, etc.

Legends behind St Patrick’s Day

• Initially, the festival was observed to commemorate the death of the patron saint with a lot of religious activities such as religious feasts and service but gradually it has become the festival celebrating Irish culture, heritage, and traditions by all people around the world.
• There are many legends and myths associated with this day. It is said that he rid all snakes out of Ireland. According to another legend, St Patrick used the shamrock leaf to describe the concept of the Holy Trinity- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• In the 4^th century during the Roman era, a large number of people practiced Paganism and believed that nature is sacred and it has the spiritual power to heal people. This could be the reason behind people using green color to celebrate nature.

In the US, a large number of immigrants brought along the Irish culture and traditions that include the feast of St Patrick and St Patrick’s Day Parade. Boston organized the first St Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, followed by the first recorded parade in New York City in 1762. In America, green beer is sold throughout cities at a special price. The traditional Irish folk song ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling’ is sung by many Americans on the day.