St. Patrick’s Day is also an opportunity for people worldwide to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. St. Patrick’s day is now associated with things such as parades, pinching people not wearing green, and beer. This holiday dates back 1,500 years; the earliest celebration was held in the 17th century on March 17th.
Traditions associated with the day include wearing green clothing, attending parades, eating traditional Irish fare such as corned beef and cabbage, drinking Guinness beer, and listening to Irish music. Here are some fun facts you may not know:
St. Patrick’s Day was initially a religious holiday in Ireland to honor the death of its patron saint, Saint Patrick.
It is believed that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of “three persons in one God” to his followers.
The first official U.S. celebration of St. Patrick’s Day took place in Boston in 1737. It has since become a widely celebrated event all over America – with parades held even in cities with large populations of people who don’t consider themselves Irish!
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a Presidential Proclamation that made March 17th an officially recognized national holiday – paving the way for St. Patrick’s Day to become the official holiday we know today.
In Ireland, it is traditional to wear something green on St. Patrick’s Day and to enjoy a pint of Guinness.
Did you know that Chicago goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day? Every year, the city dyes its river green in honor of the occasion.
It has also become a custom around the world to celebrate St. Patrick’s day by consuming large amounts of alcohol – even though this practice was not part of the original celebration.
According to Irish folklore, leprechauns bring good luck on St. Patrick’s Day – so keep an eye out if you’re trying to find a pot of gold.
No matter how you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it is sure to be a memorable occasion! So dust off your green clothing and join in the fun. Slainte! (Irish for “Cheers!”) Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
