St Patrick’s day is celebrated every year on March 17th. This day celebrates the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Despite the common misconception, St. Patrick was not actually Irish. He was born in Britain, but was brought to Ireland by a group of Irish raiders who kept him in captivity for six years. During this time, St. Patrick turned to religion for support, and began to dream of converting others to Christianity. Once he escaped, St. Patrick went back to Britain, but he experienced a revelation that told him to return to Ireland as a missionary, which he eventually did (history.com). Before his death, he was able to establish monasteries, churches, and schools (britannica.com).
Many people take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, not just the Irish. According to nationaltoday.com, “St. Patrick’s day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other single day national festival, largely due to America’s enthusiasm for what many consider a holiday, although it is not an official holiday in America.” However, this holiday and the Irish people were not always so welcome in America. When the Irish first came, “they faced oppressive discrimination… [but] as their numbers grew the Irish discovered strength in unity and rallied together to celebrate their beloved patron saint with a parade every March 17th” (nationaltoday.com). Now a welcomed holiday, St. Patrick’s Day festivities include eating, drinking, dancing, and watching parades. Parades are one of the most popular celebrations. Surprisingly enough, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in America, rather than in Ireland. The oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world is held in New York City every year; over two million people usually attend in non-pandemic years. Chicago, Boston, Savannah, Kansas City, and most importantly, Philadelphia, are home to huge parades as well (theactivetimes.com). Foods that are commonly eaten include colcannon, dexter beef, Irish soda bread, and bacon and cabbage (corned beef and cabbage is the American version). All of these are traditional Irish dishes.
In light of the holiday, break out your green clothes and Irish baking skills, pull up a parade on the TV, and celebrate with your family!
