St. Patrick’s Day kicks off a worldwide celebration also known as the Feast of St. Patrick. On March 17th, many will wear green in honor of the Irish and decorate with shamrocks. According to lore, the wearing of the green tradition dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726. St. Patrick (c. AD 385–461) used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and worn green clothing. And while the story is unlikely to be true, many will revel in the Irish heritage and eat traditional Irish fare, too. 

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since before the country was formed. At times, the holiday has been a bit more of a rowdy one, with green beer, parades, and talk of leprechauns. However, in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day takes on a more solemn mood. It wasn’t until events in the United States broadcast in Ireland that some of the Yankee ways spread across the pond. One Irish-American tradition not common to Ireland is corned beef and cabbage. 

Dont forget to try Irish Skillet, great for a family meal any day of the year. End it all with an Irish Coffee. If you’re heading to a pub try the green beer. Want more? Try music by Celtic Woman, if you’re in the neighborhood, McGuire’s Irish Pub will be resuming some activities too.

My family has strong decendants from Ireland, so yes laddie, my redhair and freckle kissed ivory skin are testament to my Irish ancestry. While born and raised here my parents were also born and raised here in the U.S. With the exception of crafting ginger beer and our utter delight when mom makes corn beef and cabbage, what we know of Irish culture came from research. First in books then later as available on computer.

HOW TO OBSERVE #StPatricksDay

Remember to wear green. Read up about St. Patrick’s Day and cook up an Irish feast! Use #StPatricksDay to post on social media.

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY HISTORY

The Feast of St. Patrick started in the early 17th-century. The day marks the death of St. Patrick and was chosen as an official Christian feast day and is observed by the Catholic Church. The day is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.