It seems that on March 17, everyone tries to get in on the fun of Saint Patrick’s Day! One of the biggest Irish holidays marks the day for celebrating the Irish culture, not just in its home country, but all around the world. Beginning as a religious celebration known as the Feast of Saint Patrick for bringing Catholicism into Ireland, the festivities have now since expanded into a worldwide celebration for Irish culture and heritage.

In 431 AD, a Roman Catholic bishop by the name of Patrick had been called to Ireland from his home in Great Britain to bring the Irish pagans to the Catholic faith. It has been rumored that he used the green three-leaf clover, a traditional symbol for Saint Patrick’s Day, as a method to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity.

Since his death on March 17, 461, the Feast of Saint Patrick has been celebrated by various Christian groups to remember his life’s work since the ninth century. There are special masses held on that day in churches, and he is remembered for the years he spent in Ireland. The Feast Day has been a public holiday in Ireland since 1903, and the celebrations held there can sometimes last for several days, with parades in the streets and activities for people of all ages throughout the nation to enjoy.

As Irish immigrants began moving to the United States over the course of several centuries, Saint Patrick’s Day became a way for immigrants to remember their homeland and rejoice in their new life in America. Irish-Americans began having special gatherings since the eighteenth century, and it has rapidly gained popularity ever since. In various cities all around the country, from New York to Los Angeles, and everywhere in between, parades and carnivals are held in which everyone can partake.

New traditions have gained popularity over the years as well as the Irish population in America grew. In select cities with a major waterway, the city will use huge amounts of dye to turn their rivers and lakes temporarily green for several hours. An Irish American dish has also been erected, corned beef and cabbage, which is now a common dish to be served on Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States. Our very own Highlander Marching Band travels to New York each year to participate in the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Hopefully when Saint Patrick’s Day passed the corner this year, you did not forget to wear green!