What is St Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on the 17th March each year. The day is named after Saint Patrick who is the most well-known patron saints of Ireland and the day itself commemorates different things depending on the religion. For Catholics, in the early 17th century, St. Patrick’s Day became an official feast day. For Christians, it celebrates the arrival for Christianity in Ireland.
In the present day, however, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of Ireland and Irish culture. It is celebrated by Irish communities all over the world.
Why Is The Colour Green Associated With St Patrick’s Day?
Since the beginning of the 17th century, the colour green has been worn for celebration of St Patrick’s Day. Interestingly, the colour that was originally associated with St. Patrick was blue. This appeared to change when St. Patrick used a shamrock – a green three leaved plant – to explain the Holy Trinity to the Pagan Irish.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in America
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t an official holiday in North America but that doesn’t stop some of the major cities from celebrating the day.
In Chicago, the Irish are one of the biggest communities so of course celebrations are extravagant. Every year, thousands of people gather at the banks of the Chicago River as they watch a boat release dye into the water turning the river a wonderful green colour as it makes its way through the city. A parade takes place as well however this is more of a celebration for the people who have Irish heritage, but that doesn’t mean others can’t join in!
If the day itself wasn’t enough, Chicago American Football team, Chicago White Sox, are well known for their September celebration of ‘Halfway to St Patrick’s Day’ celebrations. Instead of wearing their traditional colour of black, they wear white jerseys with green pinstripes.
New York City holds the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. It is a five hour long procession on a 1.5 mile route. Approximately 150,000 people participate in the parade which includes bands, fire fighters, police officers, and cultural clubs. Two million people line the streets to watch. This St. Patrick’s Day parade is the oldest civilian parade in the world.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ohio 2013 – photography by Jack W. Pearce of Flickr (Creative Commons 2.0)
Celebrating St. Patrick‘s Day in New Zealand and Australia
The Irish have a large presence in New Zealand and Australia due to large numbers of immigration or convicts who were sent there in the 19th century. St. Patrick’s Day in Australia and New Zealand is seen to celebrate links with Ireland.
Although it’s not taken quite as seriously as some of the cities in America, many people still wear green items of clothing and there are many drinking activities that start in the early afternoon and carry on into the early morning of the next day.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the United Kingdom
St Patrick’s Day is very popular with students in the UK. Many university’s student unions put on special events throughout the day and club events on at night.
There are numerous St. Patrick’s Day parades that take place throughout England during the day and even in the run up to it. Manchester holds a festival that starts two weeks prior to the event itself. There is a large parade and cultural activities during this time.
Like Australia and New Zealand, Glasgow has a large Irish population due to immigration in the 19th century, so of course there are many celebrations within the city. They began an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival in 2007.
How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
Have you got anything planned for St. Patrick’s Day? Where in the world are you celebrating? Let us know in the comments box below!
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