St. Patrick's Day

History of St. Patrick's Day

By Seanna Ellis

A sea of green filled the hallways of Woodmere Middle School on St. Patrick's Day this year. From students to staff, four-leaf clover tattoos and green t-shirts were the uniforms for most. But, does everyone know what they are celebrating?

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17 as an anniversary of Saint Patrick's death. This religious holiday has been observed by the Irish for over 1,000 years. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and a national apostle. Originally, he was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped, and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. After escaping he returned to Ireland and is said to have brought Christianity to its people. The mythology surrounding his life became more ingrained in Irish culture after his death on March 17, 461. The first St. Patrick's Day was celebrated around the ninth or 10th century. However, the first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in America and was held on March 17, 1601, in St. Augustine, Florida. Its popularity grew when homesick Irish soldiers marched in New York City to honor Saint Patrick.

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, the Irish gather with their loved ones to share a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage. They also celebrate by dressing up as leprechauns or wearing green. Leprechauns are one of the icons that represent the holiday. The original name of these figures is "lobaircin," which means "small-bodied fellow". The belief in leprechauns most likely stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny women, and men who have magical powers that can do both good and evil. In folktales, leprechauns were irritable and responsible for fixing the shoes of other fairies. They were also known for their trickery which they used to protect their treasure. In addition to being celebrated on St. Patrick's they also have their own holiday on May 13th.

Today, people of all races and ethnicities celebrate St. Patrick's Day, particularly throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. While North America is known for the most extravagant productions, it is celebrated all over the world in places like Japan, Singapore, and Russia.