Millions of people worldwide prepare their green outfits in anticipation of, arguably, the most-celebrated holiday in March. Saint Patrick’s Day brings parades, festivals, and good luck every year, as well as some superstitions and legends. Cities adorn green decor and citizens fashion shamrocks and leprechaun outfits. Aside from these traditions, though, the holiday bears a unique origin that spans numerous centuries.
Saint Patrick, regarded as the patron saint of Ireland, was a fifth century bishop who spent 40 years spreading Christianity throughout the country. Though he was born in Britain, he was captured at the age of 16 and brought to Ireland via slave trade. Over the next four years, Patrick would herd sheep until his daring escape to Britain with the help of a sailor crew. Despite his troubled past in Ireland, he would return to the island not long after escaping, now as a bishop who sought to spread the Gospel. Saint Patrick is credited with converting the majority of Ireland from Paganism to Christianity.
Starting around the 9th century, Ireland recognized Saint Patrick with a feast on March 17th. It was in America, though, where Saint Patrick’s Day was first celebrated. J. Michael Francis, a professor at the University of South Florida at St. Petersburg, uncovered records detailing a parade in honor of St. Patrick in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, located in modern day Florida. The celebration took place in 1601, making Francis’ finding the earliest record of a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. Nearly two centuries later, in 1772, Irish soldiers who were enlisted in the English military led a march in New York City to once again honor Saint Patrick. The march unofficially created the holiday as it is known and celebrated today.
Saint Patrick’s Day continues to serve a crucial role for Irish Americans as the parades and celebrations not only commemorate their homeland, but also allow those who never visited the country to learn about Ireland’s fascinating heritage. Although St. Patrick’s Day offers the Irish an opportunity to honor their country in numerous ways, it has also introduced new customs for Irish Americans. Whether its food, dying rivers green, or drinking green colored beverages, America has definitely had an influence on this holiday. With March 17th marking the 252nd St. Patrick’s Day in America, everyone is undoubtedly eager to celebrate some Irish culture.
