Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year in honor the Catholic Church's Saint Patron. Saint Patrick is known as the Patron of Ireland and his namesake holiday is celebrated on March 17th, which coincides with the date of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this holiday for over one thousand years for primarily religious purposes.
Who Was Saint Patrick?
Saint Patrick was born in Great Britain in the late fourth century and is thought to have died on March 17th 461 A.D. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped and sold as a slave where he was taken to Ireland. He spent over six years in captivity, working as a shepherd until his eventual escape. He spent the next fifteen years in Britain studying to become priest, and after being ordained returned to Ireland with a mission - to convert Ireland to Christianity.
There are many legends surrounding St. Patrick, including that he drove the snakes from Ireland and used the shamrock as a way to explain the Holy Trinity. Most notably, he is accredited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and establishing a number of monasteries, churches, and schools. Revered as a saint since the seventh century, he was never canonized by the Catholic church as a true saint. It wasn't until the 1630s that March 17th was added to the Catholic breviary as the Feast of St. Patrick.
Celebrating - From Religious to Secular
Originally, the holiday was a celebration of Saint Patrick in the form of religious services and feasts. It was Irish immigrants, particularly those in the United States, that are attributed with transforming the day into a more secular holiday. Turning the once religious observance into a spectacular celebration of all things Irish.
Boston held its first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1737, and since 1962 Chicago has colored its river a bright green color for the occasion. Many people, Irish or not, participate in the "wearing of green" for the day (although the staple color was once blue, it has since changed to the 'Irish green' we all know and love).
Other items associated with the holiday include: shamrocks, corned beef, and cabbage. You can even find green beer as a staple drink!
Green Beer Recipe
Make your own green beer right at home with the easiest recipe to ever exist! Simply pour yourself a glass of beer, preferably a lighter colored beer, and add green food coloring to your heart's content!
Have a Happy Saint Patrick's Day and don't forget to stop by Sassy Clover for all things lucky, green, and maybe even a little gold!
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