St. Patrick's Day is a popular holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of St. Patrick, one of the most famous and influential saints in Irish history. But who was St. Patrick and why is he so important? And how did his feast day become a global phenomenon that involves parades, parties, shamrocks and green beer? In this blog post, we will explore the origins, meaning and background of St. Patrick's Day and give you some tips on how to enjoy it.
Who was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century AD. When he was 16 years old, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. He spent six years working as a shepherd and during that time he developed a deep faith in God. He escaped from his captivity after having a vision of a ship that would take him home. He returned to Britain and became a priest.
Later, he felt called to go back to Ireland as a missionary and spread Christianity among the pagan Irish people. He arrived in Ireland around 432 AD and spent the next 30 years traveling across the country, baptizing converts, ordaining priests, founding churches and monasteries, and performing miracles. He also used the shamrock, a three-leafed clover, as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to his followers.
He died on March 17th around 461 AD at Saul, where he had built his first church. He was buried at Downpatrick (which means "Patrick's stronghold") in County Down. He is widely regarded as the patron saint of Ireland along with Saints Brigid and Columba.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day was originally celebrated in Ireland as a religious feast day that commemorated St. Patrick's life and work as well as the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It was also a day of thanksgiving for God's blessings on the Irish people.
The first recorded celebration of St. Patrick's Day took place in Dublin in 1631 with a parade of soldiers followed by a special service at St Patrick’s Cathedral . The date of March 17th was chosen because it was believed to be St. Patrick's death anniversary.
Over time, St. Patrick's Day became more than just a religious observance; it also became an expression of Irish culture and identity . The Irish people faced many hardships throughout history such as famine , oppression , emigration , discrimination , violence , war , etc., but they never lost their sense of humor , resilience , pride , loyalty , creativity , music , dance , literature , etc., which they shared with others through their celebrations.
St.Patrick’s Day also became an opportunity for Irish people living abroad (especially in North America) to reconnect with their roots and show solidarity with their fellow countrymen . They organized parades , festivals , concerts , dances , banquets , etc., that showcased their heritage and traditions . They also wore green clothing or accessories (such as hats or ribbons ) or pinned shamrocks on their lapels as symbols of their Irishness . They also enjoyed eating corned beef and cabbage (a dish that originated among Irish immigrants) or drinking Irish beer or whiskey (sometimes dyed green).
Today, St.Patrick’s Day is celebrated not only by Irish people but also by millions of people around the world who appreciate Irish culture or have some connection to Ireland (such as ancestry or friendship). It is one of the most widely celebrated national festivals globally . It is also recognized as an official public holiday in several countries such as Ireland itself (both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ), Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador province ), Montserrat (a British Overseas Territory ) etc.
How can you enjoy St.Patrick’s Day?
There are many ways you can enjoy St.Patrick’s Day depending on your preferences and circumstances . Here are some suggestions:
Learn more about St.Patrick’s life story and his contributions to Ireland’s history and spirituality . You can read books ,watch documentaries , visit websites ,listen to podcasts ,etc., that provide reliable information about him. Attend church services or join online prayers that honor St.Patrick and celebrate his legacy . You can also light candles , sing hymns