By: Delilah Shields
St. Patrick’s Day is best known for its uses of vividly green decorations and outrageous celebratory methods. But very few people acknowledge the original meaning behind these festivities. Here are some basic facts to get you in the know about the holiday.
According to legend, St. Patrick was born with the name Maewyn Stewart, but later changed it to Patricius, Latin for “father figure.” He soon became the Patron Saint of Ireland before dying around the 5th century. Many believed he died on March 17th, 12 centuries before our modern version of the holiday. The first official celebration started in 1631 when the Church held a Feast to celebrate St. Patrick, but the first parade took place in America in modern-day Florida. The first New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1848, and it is the oldest civilian parade in the world today, as well as the largest parade in the United States with over 150,000 participants. In Chicago, the Chicago River is dyed green for several hours a day, thanks to 40 pounds of green vegetable dye.
St. Patrick’s Day is observed around the world in unexpected countries such as Japan, Singapore, and Russia, each with its traditions. Popular recipes include Irish soda bread, corned beef, and cabbage. In the U.S., people wear green to avoid being pinched.
The stereotypically green beer that so many associate with the festivities actually didn’t start until the 1980s. Ireland initially had a law that kept everything shut down (including pubs) in observance of the holiday. That changed when a Budweiser commercial showed people drinking beer to commemorate the holiday, thus lifting the Irish law.
St. Patrick’s day can be recognized by iconic mascots, including the shamrock and the leprechaun. But what is their relation to St. Patrick? The shamrock became associated with him due to his explanation of the Holy Trinity while using the three leaves of a shamrock. And leprechauns don’t have anything to do with St. Patrick, but people celebrate them alongside him as well.
Hopefully you leave with some knowledge on our favorite Saint, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Sources:
Ross, Ashley. “The True History Behind St. Patrick’s Day.” Time, 29 Apr. 2021, Accessed 18 Feb. 2023
“History of St. Patrick’s Day.” History, 15 Feb. 2023, Accessed 18 Feb. 2023.