What is Saint Patrick’s Day?
Saint Patrick’s Day is a day to commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and, by extension, celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. The day generally revolves around luck and clovers and especially the color green.
Who started this holiday?
Saint Patrick was the patron saint Ireland, who lived in the fifth century, said to be born around 385 in Scotland. According to the legend, he died on March 17, 1461, which inspired the designated date for Saint Patrick’s day. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is said to be responsible in the Christianization of the Picts and Anglo-Saxons.
The first parade
The first recorded St. Patrick’s day parade in history actually took place in New York City on Mar 17, 1762. It was held by Irish soldiers who were serving in the British army. They marched to Irish music to help them reconnect with their Irish ancestry and fellow servicemen.
Why do we celebrate this holiday?
St. Patrick’s Day turned into a global celebration through a mix Irish immigration and cultural pride. It began to transform in the 18th century, particularly in the United States.
The festivals highlighted Irish culture, community spirit and pride in the face of discrimination. Over time, the celebrations changed into more fun and enjoyable occasions, celebrating Irish culture through music and dance.
Mrs. Stefanski, the Gifted English teacher, was asked what she though the importance of Saint Patrick’s day was.
“The importance is, just for us to come together and, unify and celebrate our different heritages.” She responded.
Why luck and green?
Green was finally introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18 century, when the shamrock, a green clover, became a national symbol. Because of the shamrock’s popularity and Ireland’s landscape, the color and the symbol stuck to the holiday.
Four-leaf clovers were used for magical protection from evil spirits and to repel bad luck. The leaves of the clover stands for faith, hope, luck and love. Whoever comes across a four-leaf clover is granted good luck and is protected against any bad luck. And because the shamrock is a clover, along with a four lead clover bringing good luck and warding off evil, it stuck to the holiday and became a distinct symbol of the holiday.
Mrs. Vinson, who teaches health at Hernando High School, responded to the following question, ‘What is your favorite part of Saint Patrick’s day’.
“My favorite part? Honestly I like seeing everybody wear green, and be festive, and in like the spirit of things..” Vinson, going on to explain how she also enjoys it since she has some Irish heritage.
