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Roaming with green attires topped with an Irish hat, a glass of drink in one hand and the joy to celebrate together in another, it is quite normal to see the crowds in a hearty mood during this festival full of green-green clothes, green hats and green drinks. Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day every year?
St. Patrick's Day, also known as the Fest of the Saint Patrick, is a religious and cultural celebration held every year on March 17, which signifies the death of "Saint Patrick ( c. 385 - c. 461) the foremost patron saint of Ireland" (Wikipedia). This day was made an official celebration in the early 17th century in churches, especially the Church of Ireland, and has been commemorated as the arrival of Christianity in Ireland ever since. Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland. According to History.com, the Irish have been celebrating this holiday for over 1,000 years. Quite fascinating, right?
Who was Saint Patrick?
Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Most of what he did and who he was is derived from the Declaration, which is believed to be written by Saint Patrick himself. Legend has it that he was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen and taken slave in Gaelic Ireland (Wikipedia). After listening to God and fleeing to the coast, he returned to Ireland and became a priest. Following that, he is believed to have made efforts in converting the pagan Irish to Christianity. He died on March 17, and legend holds that he became Ireland's foremost saint upon his departure from the world. Confession of Saint Patrick; The Writings of Saint Patrick, The Apostle of Ireland; and The Life and Writings of Saint Patrick are some good reads to learn more about the interesting story behind the celebrated Irish saint. The wealth of knowledge and the amazing history behind such legends always inspire me to learn more about different cultures and their origins.
Culture and Traditions
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more than 200 countries throughout the world today. The global spread of St. Patrick's Day can, in part, be dedicated to the 1845's Great Potato Famine that forced more than a million Irish to emigrate (worldpopulationreview.com). From public parades and festivals to refreshing Irish music in pubs, this day is celebrated profoundly as restrictions on eating and drinking are lifted, hence, the popular Irish whiskey and green-coloured beer.
Green attires and Shamrock
On Saint Patrick's Day, as you must have observed, it is quite a sight to see people wearing green attires with Irish hats. But why green? Green clothing is customary to this festival. According to folklore, wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Hence, the green colour which helps you escape that. Shamrock, a three-leaved plant used as a symbol for Ireland, is also a part of the celebration as it signifies Saint Patrick's explanation of the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. You will see shamrocks on clothes and even on top of some beers during this festival.
What can you do this Saint Patrick's Day?
Learn more about this remarkable national holiday. Celebrated as a provincial holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the ten provinces of Canada, Saint Patrick's Day has a deep connection with Canadian history and the Irish descendants in Canada. Maybe wear a green dress this Friday, grab a green beer and enjoy Saint Patrick's Day with your mates while learning more about the significance of this important day in the history of the Republic of Ireland. Got no plans yet? Check out O' Byrne's, the famous Irish pub on Whyte Avenue. They usually have a big celebration on Saint Patrick's Day.
We wish you all a very happy Saint Patrick's Day!