St. Patrick’s Day 

By: Indigo Bowser 

What do we know about Saint Patrick’s Day other than to wear green and that it’s an Irish holiday? Have you ever wondered why we wear green or what the point of the holiday is? 

Saint Patrick was an apostle and a patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain, but was brought to Ireland at 16 as a slave. After he escaped, he went back and taught Christianity to Ireland’s people. His death was said to be March 17, 461. He became more known after his death. He is most well-known for teaching the Holy Trinity with an Irish clover, also known as the shamrock. 

People have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since the ninth or tenth century. America was the first place to hold a St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1601. The first parade took place in a Spanish Colony and was organized by Ricardo Artur. Homesick soldiers marched in New York City in 1772 to honor Saint Patrick. In 1848, New York Irish Aid societies formed one official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 

One tradition that happens on St. Patrick’s Day is the Chicago River gets dyed green. People around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with a variety of traditions. For a short period of time pubs were closed on March 17, then opened again to show Irish culture. Leprechauns is another piece of folklore associated with St. Patrick’s Day they are know for being tricksters and protecting their treasure.  

When asked what they thought of St. Patrick’s Day Asher Vantine, an Allied Health student, said, “It seems like a cool holiday, but I never really celebrate it.” When Brooke Ashbaugh, a Biomedical Technology student, answered, “I don’t really celebrate it, even though I am Irish.” 

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a day to celebrate the Irish. It’s a day for the Irish to remember the person, Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. So don’t just celebrate the Irish, but Saint Patrick himself.