St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that has seen much change over the years since its founding in medieval Ireland. Now, the holiday has become an Irish cultural celebration fit with four leaf clovers and all things green, but the day originated as a religious holiday celebrating Saint Patrick.
As the patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was born in England in the fourth century, and moved to Ireland when he was a teenager. Becoming interested in Christianity, he sought to convert many Irish people and used the shamrock in his teachings to represent the Holy Trinity, according to National Geographic. This became a symbol of Irish culture, as four leaf clovers are supposed to bring luck to those who find them. The day he died, March 17, 461, is now the day we honor both his life and what the day has evolved into, a celebration of Irish culture.
“St. Patrick’s Day is so fun every year because the holiday has a long and interesting tradition,” sophomore Sophia Lum said. “I love dressing up in green and wearing the symbols of the holiday, which are prominent and unique,”
March 17 is the feast of the Roman Saint Patrick, yet celebrations in Ireland may not be as big as they are now in America. The first St. Patrick’s Day parades were from Irish immigrants who fought in the Revolutionary War as a way to connect to their Irish roots in America, according to GPB. Over the next two centuries, the celebration would be expanded upon with the traditions we know today, such as wearing green, leprechauns, four leaf clovers and eating corned beef. Many of these traditions became a point of pride for Irish Americans, who faced significant struggles in America after immigrating from their home country, which had been experiencing the Potato Famine.
“One of my favorite memories of St. Patrick’s Day is when my kindergarten teacher used to set up green footprints and mess up the room as if a leprechauns came into the classroom,” senior Kaiya Koenigsberg said. “I used to get so excited to see what the leprechaun had done and learn about the holiday.”
The leprechaun is another beloved Irish tradition that has its roots in medieval Ireland, according to World History Encyclopedia. Leprechauns are mythical creatures from Irish folklore who guard hidden treasure, usually pots of gold. Often depicted as solitary men, they are extremely hard to catch and are always involved in trouble or mischief. The leprechaun has evolved into one of the most recognizable symbols of Irish folklore.
“As a teacher here, I really enjoy seeing the elementary school kids dressed up in their themed attire. From funny hats, shoes, and vests, they go all out and always bring spirit to the day.” said religion and ethics teacher Clint Hackenburg. “When I think of St. Patrick’s Day I always think of the different patron Saints across the world, but it’s important to also remember that the origins of the holiday are about converting the Celtic people to Christianity, which can be controversial.”
The tradition of St. Patrick’s Day continues into new generations, as well as the preservation of Irish and Celtic culture. Over time, the Irish people have endured hardships and colonization especially from the British, who still occupy Northern Ireland, according to the Institute for Government. People in support of Irish reunification— the movement to unite Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland— take this holiday as a way to spread awareness and fight for this cause. With many Irish citizens living abroad, the push to unite Ireland is backed with funding and a strong basis in cultural pride.
“Ireland is a really cool country with so much unique history, and I’m glad their holiday is so widely celebrated and loved.” Lum said. “I hope to visit someday, and maybe see if St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated differently than it is here.”
