What is St. Patrick’s Day? 

Even to the Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is surrounded by mysterious legends and people rarely know the meaning behind the holiday. St. Patrick’s day is celebrated on March 17th every year. St Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday, celebrated widely around the world. St. Patrick was a real person, with many symbols behind and surrounding him. He helped spread the religion of Christianity and is now an Irish historical figure. 

St Patrick’s Day is originated from a man named Saint Patrick, he was a patron saint of Ireland. He is a widely known historical figure and probably the most famous patron saint of any country. Generally, it is rumored he was born in northern England or southern Scotland around 385AD. Apparently, he herded all the snakes out of Ireland. When he was 16 he was taken prisoner and forced to be enslaved in Ireland. After escaping, he became a Christian missionary. He traveled hundreds of miles to spread Christianity before he died.  He died on March 17, 461 AD. 

As many know, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with parades, parties, mischief, and wearing green. Before wearing green in the 19th century happened, everyone wore blue before. This holiday is a celebration of heritage, culture, and Christianity. It is mainly celebrated by countries with people who have Irish or Irish descendants in them. The most known food that is made on St. Patrick’s Day is called “pot luck”. Almost every dish has potatoes in it. 

St Patrick’s Day has many symbols behind the holiday. One of the most famous symbols is four-leaf clovers and shamrocks. One of the reasons these symbols are the most famous ones is because they represent different things. The shamrock symbol has three leaves, and a four-leaf clover has four.  The Shamrock symbol is in the belief of the leaves being represented by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Four-leaf clover belief is one leaf is faith, hope, and love. The fourth leaf is always represented as where we get luck. 

St. Patrick’s Day is not a national holiday. In America schools, businesses, etc. are not closed. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is an official public holiday and is known as the “ Christian feast day”. Even though St. Patrick’s Day is surrounded by beer, green, and parties, that is not all the holiday is about. The holiday is more of a solemn celebration.