Originally a religious holiday, St. Patrick’s Day has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture with parades, music, dancing, and the wearing of green. However, many people are unaware of the religious aspects of this day and who St.Patrick was.
Who was St.Patrick?
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint who is said to have brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. He was born in either England, Scotland or Wales (many historians say different places) and was born around 387 AD. During this time practising faiths included the Anglo-Saxons, The Picts and Pagans. At 16 years old he was kidnapped and sent to Ireland as a slave for 6 years. He later escaped and spent the remainder of his life preaching the word of God. Legend has said that he also performed miracles, for example, raising 38 people from the dead. He also popularised the shamrock, a three-leafed clover who is said to have used to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. He is credited for establishing religious churches, monasteries and schools. By the time of his death on March 17th 461 AD, he had converted Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms with his message to Christianity. In the early 1600s, St.Patricks Day became an observed religious holiday, however the first parade was not until 1903.
North American Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day has a special place in North America, where it has been celebrated since the 18th century. In cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, Irish immigrants began organizing parades and festivities to honor their heritage and show pride in their culture. The first parade was held in New York City in 1762. In Canada, the increase of Irish immigration in the 19th century also brought the St.Patrick celebration with the first parade being held in Montreal in 1824. These early celebrations helped shape St. Patrick’s Day into the popular and vibrant events we see today, with parades, green dye in rivers, and public festivals drawing millions of people every year.
For Everyone 🙂
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun and educational opportunity to dive into Irish cultural traditions. Many students explore the music and dance of Ireland, such as traditional Irish folk music and the famous Irish step dancing. It’s a great chance for students to not only enjoy the lively festivities but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind the celebration.The holiday has become a symbol of Irish-American pride and a way to unite communities, creating a tradition that has since been embraced by people of all backgrounds across the world.
