St. Patty’s Day: Where did it come from?

St. Patrick's day is a day America knows well, as well as various other countries, such as Ireland, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Many decorate this day with green, gold, and shamrocks, but do half of them even know where this holiday comes from?

In 386 C., there was a 5th century Christian missionary named — you guessed it — Saint Patrick. He was celebrated for his faith and became Ireland’s patron saint and national apostille. His death, March 17th, 461 C., became a religious feast day in Ireland, eventually becoming celebrated around the world as the Irish migrated to other regions. 

Did you know that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in America? Even more interesting is that St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish, either. He was born in Roman Britain and was kidnapped at sixteen by Irish raiders, then enslaved as a shepherd. Even throughout the next six unfortunate years in captivity, he remained a devout Christian and developed a deep sense of faith and constant prayer. He later escaped Ireland and reunited with his family. 

He spent the next years of his life studying in Gaul under Saint Germanus of Auxerre. He was then ordained and sent to evangelize in Ireland — of all places. He baptized thousands, founded monasteries, and incorporated Celtic symbols into Christian worship; he even used shamrocks (clovers) to explain the Trinity. 

Written By: Brooklin Garrison