Shamrocks, snakes, and lots of green!!
By: Johanna Elattar, pictured is local celebrity Barb Ingraham celebrating the green
Every year on March 17th, people all around the world wear green, participate in parades, and raise a glass to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But what’s the real story behind this vibrant holiday? Is it just an excuse for people to enjoy a pint of Guinness or is there more to the story? Let’s explore the history of St. Patrick’s Day, its origins, and the traditions that have evolved over time.
Who Was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of the most well-known saints in the Christian world, and his feast day on March 17th honors his life and legacy. He was born in Roman Britain around the late 4th century, likely in what is now Wales, and was originally named Maewyn Succat. His connection to Ireland began when, at the age of 16, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his six years in captivity, Patrick worked as a shepherd, during which time he turned to Christianity for solace.
After escaping captivity and returning home, Patrick became a Christian missionary. He later returned to Ireland, this time as a bishop, where he worked to spread Christianity among the pagan Irish tribes. He is traditionally credited with using the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—an image that would later become synonymous with the holiday.
The Banishing of Snakes: Fact or Fiction?
One of the most enduring legends associated with St. Patrick is that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland. According to the story, Patrick banished the snakes into the sea after they attacked him during a 40-day fast. However, scientists have found no evidence that snakes ever existed in Ireland in the first place. The absence of snakes in Ireland is most likely due to the island’s geography, which prevented the reptiles from ever reaching it. So, while it’s unlikely that St. Patrick had any role in expelling snakes, the tale remains a popular part of Irish folklore.
The Emergence of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day as we know it today didn’t start as a widespread celebration. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in 1762 in New York City, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British Army. They marched through the streets to honor St. Patrick and celebrate their Irish heritage. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century, when Irish immigrants—many of whom were fleeing the Great Famine in Ireland—began to settle in large numbers in the United States, that St. Patrick’s Day became more widely celebrated. Irish Americans turned the holiday into a symbol of Irish pride and unity.
In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day remained a religious holiday for many years. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that it became the national celebration that we recognize today, with public festivals, parades, and large-scale events taking place in cities across Ireland. The first public holiday marking St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland was only officially recognized in 1903.
The Shamrock: A Symbol of Ireland
The shamrock, a three-leafed clover, is one of the most recognized symbols associated with St. Patrick’s Day. As mentioned earlier, the legend is that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. The plant’s association with the holiday became even more solidified when it was adopted as a symbol of Irish nationalism during the 18th century.12 pt
The shamrock became a prominent symbol of Irish identity, and its use on St. Patrick’s Day further reinforces the holiday’s connection to both St. Patrick and Irish culture. In fact, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, wearing a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day was a sign of solidarity among Irish people, particularly during periods of political unrest.
The Global Spread of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day became an international celebration, particularly in countries with large Irish communities, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. But the holiday isn’t just confined to English-speaking countries. In recent decades, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have spread worldwide, with festivals, parades, and public events taking place in places as far-flung as Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Dubai.
In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, even among those who aren’t of Irish descent. This is partly due to the significant number of Irish immigrants who settled in America, particularly during the 19th century, as well as the country’s embracing of multiculturalism. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S. was held in New York City in 1762, and today, New York hosts one of the largest and most famous St. Patrick’s Day parades in the world, attracting millions of spectators each year.
The Traditions: Parades, Pints, and Green Everything
Over time, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved from a religious observance into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. While St. Patrick’s Day is still a religious holiday for many, it has become a day12 pt for revelry and celebration, with many people—whether Irish or not—joining in the fun. Here are some of the most iconic traditions associated with the holiday:
- Parades: St. Patrick’s Day parades are a global phenomenon, with cities large and small holding their own processions. The parades typically feature marching bands, dancers (including Irish step dancers), floats, and of course, people dressed in green. The parade in Dublin is one of the largest in the world, and New York City’s parade is among the oldest and most famous.
- Wearing Green: On St. Patrick’s Day, people across the world wear green, a tradition that stems from the association of the color with Ireland (often called the “Emerald Isle”). It’s also said to be a way to avoid being pinched, as green is a color associated with good luck and is believed to make one invisible to mischievous leprechauns.
- Food and Drink: Food and drink are central to many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. In Ireland, the holiday was traditionally observed with a feast, and many people enjoy a special meal of corned beef and cabbage. In the U.S., St. Patrick’s Day is often linked to Irish stout beer, particularly Guinness. The day has become synonymous with a good pint, especially in pubs and restaurants.
- The Irish Jig: Irish folk music and dancing have always been a part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Traditional Irish jigs and reels are often performed during parades and festivals, and Irish step dancing—most famously seen in shows like Riverdance—is a staple of the holiday.
- Leprechauns and the Pot of Gold: While not directly related to St. Patrick’s life, leprechauns have become an iconic part of St. Patrick’s Day folklore. These mischievous fairies, often depicted as little bearded men in green coats, are said to hide a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. While there’s no actual evidence of leprechauns, they’ve certainly added to the fun and fantasy of the holiday.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Irish Heritage
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture, history, and the legacy of St. Patrick himself. From its origins as a religious feast day to its modern incarnation as a worldwide celebration, the holiday has evolved significantly over the centuries. Whether you’re enjoying a parade in Dublin, raising a glass in New York City, or simply wearing green to show your Irish pride, St. Patrick’s Day is a reminder of the power of cultural identity and the joy of coming together to celebrate our shared heritage.
So, this March 17th, whether you’re Irish or not, remember to celebrate responsibly, have fun, and don’t forget to wear your shamrock!
Johanna is a Hornell NY based writer of special interest pieces, community news, business news, and opinions. She can be reached anytime, americangrrl70@gmail.com
