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St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day
By: Yash Kadam
Have you ever gotten pinched on St. Patrick’s day for not wearing green? Do you want to know about the history behind these wacky traditions?
St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17th to honor the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. It is celebrated all around the world and its traditions are still honored today. St. Patrick’s Day is filled with parades, dancing and lots of green which has become a symbol of the holiday.
St. Patrick's day first started in 1631 and is still celebrated all over the world. People celebrate this day to honor a man named Maewyn; but better known as “St. Patrick.” At 16 years old Patrick was sent to work in Ireland. He later escaped and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people and every year we celebrate St. Patrick for introducing Christianity in Ireland. (Source)
But what does St. Patrick pioneering Christianity in Ireland have to do with wearing green? The mythical belief is that wearing green makes you invincible to leprechauns. However, the real reason we wear green is because it’s in the Irish flag, which symbolizes Irish nationalism and the green fields of Ireland. The tradition started as a way to celebrate the country's heritage and we wear green to show appreciation and respect for Irish culture.
“I like wearing green and like that the Chicago River gets dyed green,” said Ronen Jacobson, 8th grade.
Finally, if you didn’t wear green last St. Patrick’s Day you probably felt a pinch, but do you know why you get pinched? This tradition dates back to the 17th century when people believed that wearing green made someone invincible to leprechauns and fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see (anyone not wearing green). People began pinching those who didn’t wear green as a reminder that leprechauns would sneak up and pinch people not wearing green.
“I’m going to wear green so I don't get pinched and I make green cakes,” said Matthew Kliener 8th grade.“I go outside and try to find three leaf clovers,” said Luke Thompson, 8th grade.
In conclusion, St. Patrick's Day is a widely celebrated cultural and religious holiday that comes with unusual traditions. It is a day that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and has become a symbol of Irish heritage and culture around the world.
Photo by: Yash Kadam
Tru Halverson, 8th grade, wearing green.
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