Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day History

Saint Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday observed by both Irish and non-Irish communities. It is traditionally a commemoration of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Furthermore, it is also a celebration of the heritage and culture of the Irish. The holiday has cultural and religious significance, displaying Irish symbols such as the shamrock and the color green.

The celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States goes back to the 18th century. It was first celebrated in Boston in 1737 and in New York City in 1762, mainly by Irish immigrants as a means of preserving and celebrating their Irish heritage. Today, it serves as a time for Americans of all backgrounds to celebrate Irish culture by wearing green, eating Irish meals, participating in parades, and engaging in celebrations across the country.

In America, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, regardless of the day of the week. This date correlates with the death of Saint Patrick. Cities, such as Chicago and New York, host grand Saint Patrick's Day parades, showcasing numerous floats and performers. It is common to see participants and spectators dressed in green - the color associated with Ireland. Some cities, like Chicago, go one step further by coloring their rivers or streams green as a part of the holiday traditions.

Facts about Saint Patrick's Day

• Approximately 10 million pints of Irish Guinness stout are consumed on an average day around the world. On St. Patrick's Day, nearly 13 million are consumed.
• St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity to non-Christians. The leaves stood for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Wearing the shamrock, a three-leaf clover is a St. Patrick's Day tradition. The official three-leaf clover is known scientifically as Trifolium dubium however clovers can also have more leaves. Four-leaf clovers are said to be lucky, however the odds of finding one are about 1 to 10,000.
• The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same - St. Patrick
• Sláinte! - used when clinking glasses with friends at a bar (equivalent of Cheers or Health!)

In the News and Trending in the US for Saint Patrick's Day

Top things to do in the US for Saint Patrick's Day

• Wear green! In some parts of the world, the custom is to pinch people who aren't wearing the color of shamrocks.
• The heart of any Irish neighborhood is its local pub. Share a couple of green Guinness beers with friends at a local Irish pub or try Magner's (Bulmer's) apple cider as an alternative.
• Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade. Major cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, and Boston host marching bands and floats.
• Why not try the custom of drowning the shamrock? A shamrock is placed in a cup and filled with whiskey, cider, or beer. One makes a toast and must chug the drink. It is usually done at the end of celebrations.
• Enjoy a traditional Irish meal. A traditional Irish St. Patrick's Day meal would include roasted leg of lamb, carrots, parsnips, peas and lots of potatoes!