By Marelin Bermeo ('23)
Saint Patrick's Day, commonly known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, finds March 17th commemorating the traditional death date of Ireland's primary patron saint.
Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick, was born in Roman Britain in the 4th century to a high-ranking Roman family–as seen evident in the position held by his father and grandfather, a deacon and a priest, respectively. Saint Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of sixteen and sold into slavery in Ireland working as a shepherd on the mountainsides for six years. After six years of captivity, he was eventually reunited with his family after surviving a perilous journey to Britain as he fled his master. Despite Saint Patrick describing his experience in servitude as humiliating given the Roman nobleman status he continued to hold, it is often seen to be one of the events that progressively established his faith as a Christian.
Citing a specific occurrence, in his Confession of Grace, Saint Patrick asserts his faith increased one day and that his spirit was moved so much that he “would pray as many as a hundred times.” His effort to convert the Irish to Christianity upon his return was successful as by the time of his passing, he had established churches, schools, and monasteries. It is here that St. Patricks Day finds its roots.
Originally sustaining a religious stipulation and origin as aforementioned, Saint Patrick's Day now stresses cultural activities. A drift from religious services to a secular Irish celebration was brought upon my emigrants that traveled to the United States. As so, the vast celebrations which often see parades at the forefront are held in cities with large numbers of Irish descent– with New York City historically seeing its first parade in 1762.
Photo courtesy of Brittanica
The Banishment Legend
Arguably one of the most widespread legends about Saint Patrick was his banishment of snakes from Ireland. The legend states that Saint Patrick had fasted for 40 days on the summit of the peak that is now known as Croagh Patrick. When he came down from his fast, he noticed many snakes gathered ahead of him. Enraged by their wicked appearance he chased them into the sea– accounting for the absence of snakes in Ireland currently. This legend falls apart in scientists' assertion that the lack of snakes in Ireland is due to the Ice Age– which saw snakes migrating from Southern Europe, northward as the climate increased.
Seeing as St. Patrick’s Day finds people of different cultures taking part in its vast celebrations—having done so through its sparse presence from Ireland—participation may bring a joyful and festive experience. As March comes to a close and after hearing the story of Saint Patrick, from which this festivity takes its name, we hope you join in celebrating with a large percentage of Americans and others alike!
Cover photo courtesy of Sam Woolley (Shutterstock, Getty)
Banner courtesy of ABC News