March 17th is a special day for people all around the world who celebrate their Irish heritage, and for those who just enjoy a good party. St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated for centuries, and its origins are steeped in history and legend. In this blog post, we will take a brief look at the history of St. Patrick's Day and how it has evolved into the celebration that we know today. So put on your green clothes, raise a pint of Guinness, and join us as we explore the fascinating history of St. Patty's Day!
Origins of St. Patrick's Day
The history of St. Patrick's Day is a long and storied one, dating back to the fifth century AD. The holiday celebrates the life and accomplishments of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Legendary figure Saint Patrick was born in Britain in the late fourth century, and he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He eventually escaped and returned to Britain, where he became a priest and later returned to Ireland as a missionary. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, and his teachings helped convert many Irish people to the new religion. In addition, Saint Patrick is said to have performed several miracles during his lifetime, including driving all of the snakes out of Ireland!
Although there are many legends and myths surrounding Saint Patrick, we do know that he was an important figure in Irish history. The anniversary of his death (March 17th) was celebrated as a religious holiday in Ireland for many centuries. Over time, the celebration gradually evolved into a more secular event, and today it is primarily known as a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. In addition to parades and other cultural events, St. Patrick's Day is also traditionally celebrated with food, drink, and music.
Leprechauns & Folklore
One of the most popular symbols associated with St. Patrick's Day is the leprechaun. Leprechauns are mischievous creatures from Irish folklore, and they are often depicted as wearing green clothes and hats. According to legend, leprechauns are known for hiding pots of gold at the end of rainbows. In recent years, the image of the leprechaun has become synonymous with St. Patrick's Day, and he is now a common sight on clothing, decorations, and other merchandise related to the holiday.
So why are leprechauns associated with St. Patrick's Day? One theory is that the symbol was originally used to represent pagan gods or spirits that were believed to inhabit the Irish countryside.
Over time, these pagan symbols were Christianized and became associated with Saint Patrick and the holiday that bears his name. Whatever the case may be, leprechauns are now an inseparable part of St. Patrick's Day tradition, and they are sure to bring a touch of magic to your celebrations!
Famous Irish People in History
Saint Patrick is not the only famous Irish person throughout history. Here are just a few other notable figures who have called Ireland home:
- Oscar Wilde: A celebrated playwright and author, Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. He achieved international fame with his plays, including The Importance of Being Earnest, and he also wrote a number of poems and essays.
- James Joyce: Another renowned writer, James Joyce was born in Dublin in 1882. His most famous work is the novel Ulysses, which is considered to be one of the most important books of the 20th century.
- Michael Collins: A leader of the Irish independence movement, Michael Collins played a key role in securing Ireland's freedom from British rule. He was born in County Cork in 1890 and was assassinated in 1922.
- Bono: The lead singer of the rock band U, Bono was born in Dublin in 1960. He is widely acclaimed for his humanitarian work, and he has been nominated for numerous Grammy Awards.
Traditional Irish Foods
There are many foods that are traditionally eaten on St. Patrick's Day, and most of them are Irish in origin. Some of the most popular items include:
- Corned beef and cabbage: This dish is a classic example of Irish cuisine, and it is usually made with corned beef brisket or ham.
- Shepherd's pie: A savory pie made with ground meat and vegetables, shepherd's pie is a staple of Irish cuisine.
- Irish Soda bread: A type of bread made with baking soda as a leavening agent, soda bread is popular in Ireland and other parts of the British Isles.
- Guinness stout: A dark beer brewed in Dublin, Guinness stout is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Ireland.
Events Near Pittsburgh, PA
Official St. Patrick's Bar Crawl - 3/12 BAR LIST VISIT BARCRAWLLIVE.COM South Side Flats Tickets here!
St. Patty's Day Parade - 3/12 Downtown Pittsburgh More Info!
Quick Fun Facts
Did you know that...
- The first recorded celebration of St. Patrick's Day in America was held in Boston in 1737.
- New York City has been home to the world's largest St. Patrick's Day parade since 1762.
- The color green is traditionally associated with St. Patrick's Day because it is the color of a shamrock, which are considered to be a symbol of good luck in Ireland.
- More than 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, making it one of the most commonly celebrated ethnic holidays in the United States.
So get your green on and join in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities! Whether you’re heading to a parade, enjoying some traditional Irish food, or checking out one of the many local events happening near you, be sure to have lots of fun and wear that green with pride! And don’t forget to raise a glass of Guinness (or whatever your favorite drink may be) to everyone’s favorite Saint – Paddy himself! Comment below what are your plans are for St. Patty's day?