Saint Patrick's Day
Considered a typical and traditional for Ireland, Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and religious holiday held on 17th March, which is the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. 385- c. 461). It was declared an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century.
Who was Saint Patrick?
He was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland, originally born in Roman Britain, apparently Scotland. Also known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland. He is accredited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, converting pagan society in the process. As neither Protestantism nor Catholicism existed until after the Reformation, Patrick and many later saints and missionaries who espoused the tenets of Christianity in and from Ireland were all adherents to 'Celtic Christianity,' or simply put more pure form of Christianity that preceded the formalities of Roman Catholicism on these shores.
What does Saint Patrick's Day celebrate?
There are various reasons and meanings behind that Day, let's look at some of them briefly. As mentioned before, St. Patrick is attributed with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the people. Another well known fact is in its way a popular legend which claims that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland and that is the reason why there are actually no snakes to be found on its grounds. This Is frequently interpreted as a metaphor for his efforts to eradicate pagan practices and convert the Irish to Christianity, as there were likely no actual snakes in Ireland due to its climate, historical and present geology, geographical isolation, and some other conditions.
How do people celebrate it nowadays?
Major cities, especially those with large Irish communities, host festivals and parades featuring traditional Irish music, dancing, food, and drink. Green color is generally associated with Ireland, known as the Emeral Isle, and the Shamrock. Wearing green on St. Patrick's Day is a way to show Irish heritage and pride. The cultural identity and connections are the reason why so many people celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It is an opportunity to connect with their roots and celebrate their history. St. Patrick's story of conversion and spreading Christianity could also symbolize personal and communal transformation and renewal, themes relevant to both religious and secular celebrations.
So, I hope you found this a little appealing and I wish you all pleasant times <33