Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated as a time to have fun with friends, but the history behind it goes far beyond leprechauns and green party food.
Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, lived during the 5th century. He was originally brought to Ireland as a slave. After he escaped, he came back to spread Christianity.
According to History.com, Patrick was likely born in Wales around 386 A.D. and grew up in the church. His father was a Christian deacon and his grandfather was a priest. Patrick also wrote a short autobiography with details about his childhood called the Confessio.
After his death, supposedly on Mar. 17, 461, he became a huge part of Irish culture so people in Ireland have been celebrating the Roman Catholic feast day every year on this day. One of the most well-known stories of St. Patrick is when he explains the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, using the three leaves of a shamrock.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
The first Sain Patrick’s day parade was held in 1762 in New York City (Countryliving.com).
Today, people from all around the world celebrate this holiday. Popular St. Patrick’s Day recipes include Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and champ. In the United States, people often wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.
The tradition transitioned from a religious holiday to a celebration of Irish culture and history. To find out more about St. Patrick’s Day and how to celebrate, look here.
