Happy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th

What is St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage. More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States; New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations.

When Was the First St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated?

Since around the ninth or 10th century, people in Ireland have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland but in America. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. The parade, and a St. Patrick’s Day celebration a year earlier were organized by the Spanish Colony’s Irish vicar Ricardo Artur. More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772 to honor the Irish patron saint. Enthusiasm for the St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston and other early American cities only grew from there.

 

How Do People Celebrate It?

What do people do to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? People go to Ireland. Many people drink green beer; also eat corned-beef, potatoes, and cabbage. Many people will wear something green, and/or wear shamrocks. You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, the green-themed holiday known for its celebration of Irish culture and myth. From parties to parades, there are many ways people of all different ethnicities can be Irish for the day and enjoy a good time on St. Patrick’s Day.

What is the Symbol of St. Patrick’s Day?

The most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Many people choose to wear the color green and the flag of the Republic of Ireland is often seen in St Patrick’s Day parades around the world. Irish brands of drinks are popular at St Patrick’s Day events.