For more than 1,000 years, people of Irish descent have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Today many of the celebrations include parades, festivals or events that honor people who have spent years giving back to the communities they reside in. Just attending one of these types of events could signal the level of pride a person has in her Irish heritage. To stand out at these events, that can easily draw thousands of attendees and spectators, people wear festive items like tall green hats, decorative eyeglasses, green pants and/or green St. Patrick’s Day tees.
In addition to going to parades and festivals, to celebrate the Irish culture, people also dress up in green and white baseball caps, St. Patrick’s Day tees and costumes. Some people even cover their bodies in green paint, then grab their friends and spend the night dancing and partying at clubs and bars. It’s not probable that everyone who celebrates the holiday that occurs in March knows the history of the holiday, understanding how the holiday began.
Celebrated annually on March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day commemorates the death (while also celebrating the life) of St. Patrick, a Roman-British Christian missionary. According to History, Saint Patrick walked the earth during the fifth century. The patron saint, a man who was also one of Ireland’s apostle’s, was kidnapped and taken to Ireland, where he served as a slave, when he was 16 years old. He is credited with introducing the people of Ireland to Christianity.
As happens with a lot of people who perform heroic or inspirational deeds, Saint Patrick’s legend grew after his death. However, it wasn’t until the 10th century that people started celebrating Saint Patrick’s death. According to History, the first parade commemorating the death of the saint was held in the United States, not Ireland. That first event was held on March 17, 1762 and was led by a group of Irish soldiers.
Today more than 100 parades are held in the United States alone to celebrate the holiday. The numbers of businesses manufacturing and selling clothing, bibles, cards, decorations, jewelry, St. Patrick’s Day tees, storybooks, etc. have also increased. Not all St. Patrick’s Day tees are made with a bright green material, some companies selling the tee-shirts in colors like black, white, grey and yellow. However, in keeping with Irish traditions, a lucky charm, Ireland’s national flag or a St. Patrick’s design are included on the tee-shirts.
In addition to tee-shirts, there are Celtic cross pendants, silver Claddagh rings, sweaters, Old Irish pub wood plaques and Irish flags and crests on the market. These and other cultural items could generate a spirit of pride in people who are just starting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Yet, it’s ultimately the pride in the Irish heritage and time spent with family and friends that make the holiday memorable year after year. People who take the time to learn more about the genesis of the holiday could also gain a greater appreciation for what Saint Patrick did.
Rhonda Campell is a professional writer with over twenty years of experience. Campbell enjoys writing on a variety of topics.
