St.Patrick’s Day is extremely important to the people of Ireland who have celebrated it as a holiday for over 1,000 years. Originally, it was a holiday that was only celebrated in Ireland, and the first time it was celebrated as a religious feast day was in the 10th century. This all changed when Irish men joined the British army and brought the cheer and festivities of St.Patrick’s Day to America in 1762. 

The once solely Irish tradition started becoming much more popular in the states, which Ireland appreciated.  Back then Irish soldiers,who served in the British Army, would march around New York City and go to the church in the early 1800s.

Now Americans usually celebrate by attending parades hosted in major cities such as New York City, Chicago, or Boston, building traps to capture leprechauns, or simply by wearing green, which is to represent Ireland’s landscape, shamrock’s popularity, and the Catholics who rebelled against England.  Some may also eat the beloved corned beef, potatoes, and cabbage dish native to Ireland.  People who still live in Ireland hold local parades and have music sessions with family and friends.

Music is an important part of any St.Patrick’s Day celebration because it serves as a source of community bonding and makes people come together. The most popular songs for St.Patrick’s Day are “Danny Boy”, “Molly Malone”, and “Irish Eyes are Smiling”. These are classic songs for the holiday and evoke feelings of nostalgia and Irish national pride, plus they are fun to sing as a large group. 

Not only is St.Patrick’s Day a holiday, but St. Patrick was actually a real person. He was the Patron Saint of Ireland and is credited with spreading Christianity to the island. Legend says that he was attacked by snakes during his 40 day trip on top of a mountain. Using his staff, the staff of Jesus he found on the island, he banished all snakes and sent them to sea. To this day Ireland is known as “The Land that is Free of Snakes”.

 After he banished the snakes, St. Patrick gathered people to construct many churches and inspired people to see the true meaning of Christianity. Due to many people being religious in Ireland, this holiday became very popular and was celebrated in honor of St.Patrick. 

Fun fact, St. Patrick was not a religious child and did not become devout until his adult age. His real name was Maewyn Succat. Succat passed away on March 17, 461 … .which is the reason why Irish people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 yearly, to recognize the anniversary of his death. 

Although people wear green, there is one specific color people cannot wear, which is orange because it is disrespectful due to its association with the Protestant community. St. Patrick’s day is supposed to teach us to take risks with courage and to be brave, just like Maewyn took a risk and brought religion to Ireland not knowing if anyone would support it. 

So go celebrate St.Patrick’s Day with all those fun crafts, wear green, have a green bagel or muffin and maybe add some Irish music in honor of Maewyn Succat, otherwise known as St. Patrick!