St Patrick's Day

By Amie Mitchell

Who Was St. Patrick

On March 17th many celebrate what we call St Patrick's Day. Some people wear green, there are many parades, and a lot of parties. And sadly some people promote leprechauns.

Why? How? Did the day get started? Who was St Patrick?

Patrick was born in circa 386 AD, he died in circa 461 AD. When he was 16 years old, he was captured by Irish pirates. They brought him to Ireland, where he was sold into slavery. His job was to tend sheep. During this time Druidism, a pagan sect had major religious influence over the country.

During his six years of captivity, he became deeply devoted to Christianity through constant prayer. He became determined to convert the Irish to Christianity. He escaped captivity and came back to Ireland later in life as a Missionary.

He became known as the patron saint of Ireland.

He helped spread Christianity throughout Ireland during the 5th century. There is still a lot unknown about his life.

On March 17th in 1631 St. Patrick's Day was established as a religious holiday, a feast day to honor St. Patrick's death. It was officially added to the Church calendar in the early 17th century.

America, St. Patrick's Day slowly shifted from a religious observation to a secular celebration of Irish heritage.

Why does everyone wear green?

The blue that adorned the ancient Irish flag, was first identified with St. Patrick's Day. But the rebels in 1798 wore green to differentiate themselves from the British, who clothed themselves in red, and the color has since come to denote Ireland and the Irish to all the world.

Why the Shamrock?

Shamrocks are the national plant of Ireland. Research says that St Patrick used three-leafed shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity, there is no historical evidence to prove it. But the shamrock has been used as a symbol since the late 17th/ 18th century.

Parades sprung up in major U.S. cities in the 1700s, People included eating corned beef and cabbage as part of their celebration even though it was not a popular dish in Ireland.

And sadly the promoting of leprechauns had nothing to do with St. Patrick. They were a part of Irish folklore.

If we are going to participate in celebrating St. Patrick's Day, we should do so with wisdom and make it a respectful celebration honoring its true meaning.

Have A Blessed March!