Happy St. Patrick's Day
First and foremost, do you have on green today? Luckily for those with green eyes, you're covered - year after year! But there is much more to this holiday than wearing green to avoid being pinched.
THE SKINNY
Each year, the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick is celebrated on March 17. For over 1,000 years, the Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday, which occurs during the season of Lent. Traditionally, Irish families would attend morning church service followed by celebrations that afternoon. Celebrants would eat meat, thanks to waived Lenten prohibitions, and Irish revelers would drink, dance and feast on Irish bacon and cabbage, a traditional meal in Irish culture.
WHO WAS ST. PATRICK?
The patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle, Saint Patrick lived during the fifth century. He was born in Roman Britain and at the age of 16, was kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland. During his captivity, he turned to religion and became a devout Christian. Although he escaped later on, he returned to Ireland, bringing Christianity to its people.
It is believed that Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461. One of the most well-known legends of Sant Patrick is that he clarified the Holy Trinity using a three-leafed shamrock, a native Irish clover.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Each year, the Chicaco River turns green in observance of St. Patrick's Day. This tradition began in 1962 as a way for city pollution-control workers to trace illegal sewage discharges.
- Leprechauns likely come from the Celtic belief in fairies, who are (as legend says) tiny men and women who serve good or evil using magical powers.
- There are more than 100 St. Patrick's Day parades held across the United States each year (including Houston), with the largest taking place in Boston and New York City. The first St. Patrick's Day parade actually took place right here in the USA!
- Corned beef originated in the USA as a cheaper substitute to ham for impoverished Irish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE
- Make an Irish meal out of Irish stew and soad bread.
- Paint rainbows with wishes spelled out on each colored arch, complete with cotton balls on each end.
- Watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City via live stream.
- Learn the Irish jig dance.
- Listen to Irish music from traditional to mainstream, and everything in between.
- Search for four-leaf clovers in the grass.
- Watch an Irish movie classic.
- Learn about and reflect on Irish societal contributions.
Whether you were born Irish, are proud of your Irish heritage, or just want to join in the fun of the holiday, remember the most important part of the celebration - time with those you love!
