The Luck Of The Irish
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Luck Of The Irish

The history of St. Patrick's Day

26
The Luck Of The Irish
EHSJournal.org

On the beloved Irish holiday St. Patrick’s Day, many people flock to stores and shops to find the latest and best looking green attire and make-ups. Then it’s off to drink and party the night away. This seems about it for the holiday, but actually there’s a lot that goes into the preparations and a long and unique history hidden deep within it.

Bet you didn’t know that St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish. He was born in Britain around the 5th century, then he was a part of the Roman empire. When he was sixteen he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and then was held in Ireland for six years in captivity. When he was freed he converted to Christianity and decided to return to Ireland as a Christian Missionary. He later died there- after spending his life in Ireland, on March 17, 461. Many people forgot about him after his death and didn’t pay much mind to his life at all, that is until mythology and legend began growing all circulating around him. Centuries later, because of all the words around him, he was honored as the Patron Saint of Ireland. One of the most famous myths about him was that he drove each and every individual snake from Ireland. The story wasn’t as simple as that though- it was a complex symbolism of Saint Patrick’s cleansing the land of all Paganism. The issue with that story is that Ireland never actually had any snakes to begin with. The Emerald Isle surrounding Ireland is too frigid for snakes to even be able to migrate over there. Another famous story has to do with the widely known shamrock, where he used the three leaves of it to explain the holy trinity (The father, the son, and the holy spirit). As a result of his teachings people in 18th century Ireland began wearing them to signify their Irish-Christian pride. That tradition later turned out and morphed into wearing green clothing altogether which began a popular custom still used today. Actually, shamrock plants don’t actually exist they are commonly seen as three individual plants: wood sorrel, and white and yellow clovers. Celebrating St. Patrick’s day is a large foundation of Ireland, but actually the tradition to throw parades and huge celebrations started in America. The parade hysteria really took off when the great potato famine hit Ireland in the 1840’s. This would later cause hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants rushing over into America for refuge and food. The first ever record of a St. Patrick’s day parade took place in New york in 1762- when a group of Irish soldiers serving with the British marched a few blocks to a tavern in lower manhattan- this is the largest of the parades held now because of that one day.


St. Patrick’s day is a fun filled holiday that most everyone takes part in to dress up and act crazy- but few knew the truth of how the day actually started.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

936134
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

112915
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

75322
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments