St Patrick’s Day: The History Behind The Celebration

St Patrick’s Day: The History Behind The Celebration

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 to memorialize the demise of the famous apostle of Ireland- St Patrick. It is a national religious holiday in Ireland.

History

The first St Patrick’s day was observed on March 17, 1762 in New York City, USA when Irish soldiers paraded in the city. It is celebrated in Ireland, USA, Canada and Australia. It was the Irish immigrants who made St Patrick’s Day popular outside Ireland. They were first looked at with contempt when they celebrated St Patrick’s Day in the US.

As the immigrants grew in number they became politically important. Significant politicians began attending St Patrick’s Day celebrations to gain popularity among the Irish immigrants, and gradually the day got the status of an unofficial holiday in America and Canada.

Who was St Patrick?

St Patrick was initially a pagan. He developed religious feelings when he was forcefully enslaved by the marauders. After he escaped he underwent training in a monastery. Finally he was appointed as Bishop to Ireland where he propagated Christianity. He faced arrests for this many times. Folklore has it that he performed many miracles during his life. He died on March 17,461 AD.

Celebrations

The Irish generally visit the church on St Patrick’s Day. Thereafter they indulge in drinking, dancing and fun filled activities. They prepare and consume traditional Irish food of bacon and cabbage. Shamrock is worn by the Irish on their clothes. They believe St Patrick used it to explain Christian Trinity. Green is the St Patrick Day’s color. Gold and good luck are related to this day.

The Irish government has tapped this day as a tourist attracting opportunity by enabling elaborate week long celebrations. In the US, parades are held to commemorate this day. Drinking of beer is common.

St Patrick’s Day is a great occasion to remember St Patrick’s contribution towards the betterment of Ireland. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in North America. Across Canada and the United States bars and lounges are packed with revelers hoisting celebratory beers with one another.