A day that is celebrated by millions across the globe through music, food, culture and traditions. St Patrick’s Day is a monumental religious and cultural holiday, observed annually on 17 March. It celebrates the anniversary of the death of Sain Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, however, arguably celebrates the heritage and culture of Ireland more generally today.
Here's a quick rundown on St Patricks Day (more informally known as St Paddy’s Day) – myths, traditions, celebrations and more…
St Patrick’s Day Myths
So, let’s start this piece with some myth busting. Firstly, we’ll address the first big question - yes, St Patrick was a real person! And, he was born in Britain, to a family of Roman descent, but was first brought to Ireland in being sold into slavery.
Secondly, legend says that Patrick used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, as a visual guide when conducting his teachings, however, it is the four-leaf clover than considered the symbol of good luck.
Thirdly, legend also says that Saint Patrick stood on the Irish hills and banished all snakes from Ireland. However, research and fossil records suggest that snakes never, in fact, have ever occupied Ireland in the first place! Perhaps the reference to snakes in this instance is to broader Biblical terms, with snakes generally implying evil…
Croagh Patrick
County Mayo’s famous cone-shaped peak, Croagh Patrick, is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beautiful Irish nature. Visitors climb to not only experience a sense of the inclusive Irish Christianity, but also to admire the gorgeous views from the summit: the Nephin Beg Mountains and Clew Bay, where the water shines over the 365 emerald islands. Yet, Croagh Patrick is so special regarding St Paddy’s Day, because it is where St Patrick fasted for 40 days and nights, before supposedly banishing all the snakes from Ireland (St Patricks Bed still lies at the top of the mountain!)
Visitors are inspired by the courage the Saint showed by leading the Irish into the light of Christianity. Located just 90 minutes from the popular Carne Golf Club, this is truly a magnificent attraction that Ireland can be proud to showcase.
Origins
The proud people of Ireland have celebrated this special day since the 1600s, however it was America that started the tradition of a St Patrick’s Day! The first recorded parade was held in Florida, and more than 100 years later, Irish soldiers in the English military marched through New York City and Boston. From there, the excitement around the national holiday grew in other early American cities continued to grow from there.
Going Green
What colour do you associated most with Ireland? We’ll give you a clue; Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle, thanks to its vast areas of leafy trees and grassy hills. Combined with the introduction of the shamrock as Ireland’s national symbol in the eighteenth century, and the colour of the mythical fairies, aka leprechauns, it is green that shines through and through as the standout colour of St Patrick’s Day.
In fact, it is known that celebrators should wear green, not only to bring good luck, but to eliminate the risk of getting pinched by leprechauns as you become invisible!
St Patrick’s Day Today
Fast forward a few hundred years since St Patricks Day was born, and there are a number of incredible events that give a firm nod to the Saint across the globe. It is believed that over 70 million of the world’s population have an element of Irish ancestry within them, and this celebration very much honours this!
Some of the biggest celebrations around the world include:
- Monstserrat Island, Caribbean – if you fancy St Paddy’s Day in the sun, this is the place to do it. 17 March is a public holiday here, and they hold a week-long festival leading up to the big day too.
- Sydney, Australia – the third largest population of Irish people in the world, and the Sydney Opera House lights up green to honour the Saint and its people.
- Chicago, USA – Chicago takes going green to a whole new level, attracting thousands of visitors by dying their river green! Many Irish Americans also eat corned beef and cabbage on this day, an American innovation on the Irish ham and cabbage tradition.
- Dublin, Ireland – the home of the Paddy’s Day parade, and therefore one of the biggest in the world.
- New York, USA – home to the world’s biggest St Patrick’s Day parade. Traditions are celebrated with a huge parade taking place along Fifth Avenue and St Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a bucket-list event to attend for so many!
- Cheltenham, UK – The famous 4-day horse-racing event, Cheltenham Festival, has a dedicated day called St Patrick’s Thursday annually, where jockeys battle it out to win the Prestbury Cup. The spirit of the sport meets the soul of Ireland with a fiercely competitive and joyous atmosphere emulating across the racecourse. Punters (bettors) very much hope the lucky of the Irish are on their side!
So, however you choose to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, if you do, make sure you bring out your green, and we hope you have a very lucky day - Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh!
