Every year, on March 17th, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Why? When Irish immigrants first came to the United States, they were hated. They were seen as poor drunks, but now this Irish holiday is well loved. This will explain the meaning and origin of everyone’s favorite holiday as well as what has changed since the Irish first immigrated to the US.
St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint and was born in Roman Britain. At the age of sixteen years old, he was enslaved and taken to Ireland, but later on escaped. St. Patrick died on March 17, 461. The reason why he is a popular saint is because he explained the trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) by using a three-leaved clover. He is also known for bringing Christianity to Ireland as well. His feast day was usually celebrated on March 17th of every year and the parade for his feast day first took place in modern day Florida in 1601.
In the 1840s, the Irish potato famine occurred. Since potatoes were the majority of the Irish person’s diet, this led to the Irish fleeing to the United States. The Irish were Catholic and most US citizens at this time were Protestant. As a result of these conflicting religions, there was often mob violence and many riots. For example, in New York City, St. Mary’s Catholic Church was burned down in 1831. As time went on, US citizens became used to the Irish and started to assimilate with them. In 1948, President Truman attended a parade which helped tackle the prejudice against Irish- Americans.
Slowly, but surely the Irish St. Patrick’s Day parades became more popular. These parades would feature bagpipes and drums. Every year, around 3 million people watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade that is held in New York City. Chicago also throws a large St. Patrick’s Day parade and they dye the Chicago river green. During an interview with sophomore Ellie Biemer, she explained to me what she does with her family to celebrate her heritage. Ellie Biemer said, “Usually we will eat Irish foods like cabbage and corned beef. Getting to have green drinks is my favorite part! We then get dressed in green and attend a nearby St. Patrick’s Day parade”. Another fellow sophomore of mine, Elena Meagher, also mentioned that she attends parades, eats Irish foods, and spends time with her family.
We have talked about what the US does to celebrate, but what does Ireland do? In Dublin, there’s a festival held for multiple days. This is partly for tourists and the economy. Some may attend church since this is a religious holiday for their patron saint. While they do have masses to honor St. Patrick, many will go out to pubs to celebrate as well.
To conclude, Irish or not, many hold this lively holiday dear to their hearts. People view this holiday as a day to have fun, drink, and attend parades. Many also view St. Patrick’s Day as a day to honor Ireland’s patron saint. Whether you’re Irish or not, all people get to be Irish every year on March 17th!
