Uncovering the History of Saint Patrick's Day: Roots, Legend and Lore

Who was St. Patrick?

Little is known about the specific details of St. Patrick's history. He was born in Roman Britain in the 5th century, and at the age of 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave.

However, when he escaped and returned to spread his beliefs among the Irish population. Then, he became an iconic figure celebrated for introducing Christianity to Ireland – and became its patron saint.

He committed his life to build churches, schools, and monasteries throughout Ireland until he died on St. Patrick's Day, 461 AD.

Today, St. Patrick embodies the essence of Ireland even if he wasn't Irish. Ironically, his life reflected the lives of many Irish immigrants who would later travel to America, where modern St. Patrick's Day celebrations began.

When was the first St. Patrick’s Day celebrated?

For more than a thousand years, the Irish people have celebrated St. Patrick's Day on March 17. Surprisingly, the first parade held to commemorate the saint didn't happen in Ireland, but in America. Historical records suggest that it took place in 1601 in an area of colonial Spain now known as St. Augustine, Florida.

In 1631, the Church established a commemorative holiday in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland coinciding with Lent. Then, St. Patrick's Day became an opportunity for Christians to take a break from their fasting prior to the celebration of Easter.

They were initially minor religious festivals. It wasn't till much later, around the late 1700s, that it started to become a widely-recognized secular holiday. On March 17, 1772, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the British Army took to the streets of New York with a jubilant march in honor of St. Patrick. This was the beginning of an enduring tradition that has only grown over time.

In 1848, the Irish Aid Societies of New York City joined forces in a historic act to organize an official St. Patrick's Day parade, which has become the oldest civilian parade in the world and the largest in the United States. With more than 150,000 annual participants and 3 million spectators along its 1.5-mile route.

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman was a major figure in the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York, a significant milestone for Irish Americans who had to fight discrimination and prejudice throughout their history in the United States. This symbolic event proudly showed how far these people have come since arriving in the US.

Now, St. Patrick's Day parades have spread from New York and Boston to many other early American cities.

Why do we wear green on St. Patrick's Day?

Wearing green on this day is a beloved tradition to show support for Irish culture and heritage. Through time, people all around the world have embraced these rituals with enthusiasm as they honor Saint Patrick’s legacy.

Since the 19th century, wearing green has been a tradition during St. Patrick's Day festivities and parades in the United States. For centuries, Ireland was closely associated with the color blue. It changed when Ireland rebelled against British rule during the Great Irish Rebellion of 1641 and adopted green as the national flag, instilling an element of pride throughout the nation.

Today, the color green evokes national pride in Ireland and it also represents and symbolizes renewal in springtime when festivities take place.

What do Leprechauns have to do with St. Patrick's Day?

Leprechauns have become a lasting symbol of Irish culture – and they bring extra color and joy to St. Patrick's Day.

Leprechauns were formerly known as "Lobaircins", which translates as "small-bodied fellow". This mythical creature has its origins in the Celtic belief in fairies, miniature figures with magical abilities for good or evil purposes. These creatures are seen as the embodiment of mischief and wealth - wearing traditional green clothing, a hat, and sporting a red beard.

Consequently, wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is not only a tradition: it is also an "effective" way to protect yourself from mischievous leprechauns. According to ancient folklore, wearing green serves to camouflage yourself from these creatures and prevent them from pinching you. In addition, wearing this color is said to bring good luck, as well as honor Irish roots.

St. Patrick's Day traditions today

St. Patrick's Day is recognized worldwide for its distinctive parades, vibrant green attire, and captivating decorations. In Ireland specifically, this holiday is celebrated as a national holiday with all the expected festivities - from spectacular fireworks to rousing parades!

But, St. Patrick's Day has become a global event with people all over the world coming together to honor their ancestry. The holiday is recognized by countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Some of the most eye-catching activities to celebrate this day are:

• The shamrock: When teaching the mystery of the Holy Trinity, St. Patrick used a three-leaf clover to illustrate his idea.
• Dyeing the river green: In 1962, Chicago officials made the daring decision to dye a segment of the city's river green, beginning an annual tradition that continues today.
• Corn beef and cabbage: On St. Patrick's Day, Irish Americans would often find the most affordable meal to be beef and cabbage, due to their poverty-stricken backgrounds. This dish has since become an iconic staple of both American and Irish culture on this day of celebration.