Chloé Boulianne and Lily Pollock
Saint Patrick's Day, the 17th of March, is a holiday traditionally from Ireland which spread all around the world. Places around the world celebrate this Irish celebration in different ways. This article will discuss the history of Saint Patrick's Day, who Saint Patrick was and some of the most unique traditions around this holiday.
Saint Patrick's Day celebrates the death of Saint Patrick. The first time this holiday was held was around the ninth or tenth century, but the first parade came in 1601. While expectations would lead you to believe it took place in Ireland, you would be wrong, as it was in St. Augustine, Florida, which used to be a Spanish colony.
More than a century later, there was another parade that was held in New York by the homesick Irish soldiers that were serving in the military there, and then the other American cities just grew from there. Over 35 years, Saint Patrick's Day kept growing and growing until it went around the world and now, Irish people and more all around the world celebrate this holiday.
Saint Patrick lived in the fifth century and was the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. He wasn’t actually born in Ireland, but in Roman Britain. He was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16 years old. Later on, he escaped, but returned to Ireland and was given credit for bringing Christianity to its people. His death is believed to have been on March 17, 461.
Saint Patrick's Day celebrates the life of Saint Patrick and the culture of Ireland and its people. The first parade was in 1601 and over the span of 35 years it had grown into a big holiday. Beannachai na Feile Padraig ort! That means: Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you!
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