All About...St. Patrick's Day

All About…

St. Patrick’s Day

Believed to be born in the 4^th Century, St. Patrick, patron saint and national apostle of Ireland, is credited with bringing the Christian faith to Ireland. He was known for driving the snakes from Ireland, figuratively, and not literally, as there were no snakes on the island, as it was separate from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age. But in many pagan beliefs, symbols of serpents were common and often worshipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland was most likely a symbol that represented the end of that pagan practice. St. Patrick converted warriors and princes, baptizing them and thousands of their people.

What began as a purely religious holiday has gradually turned into a worldly celebration of Ireland’s culture, with celebrations taking place in Europe, South America, Australia and the United States. St. Patrick’s Day is associated with everything related to Irish culture and heritage, from wearing green, to shamrocks and luck. Moreover, to those that actually celebrate St. Patrick and his mission, it is a day that promotes spiritual renewal, with prayers offered to missionaries worldwide.

In the U.S., St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated by Irish and non-Irish alike, and people celebrate with food and drink, as this holiday is typically one of the business days of the year for bars and restaurants. Folks wear green clothing, and traditionally, those are caught not wearing green are pinched. Cities, such as Chicago, dye its river green, as do other cities that dye its fountains green. St. Patrick’s Day parades are held in major cities throughout the country, with Irish Americans celebrating their culture.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17^th. Don’t forget to wear green!

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