This article addresses what is St. Patrick’s Day meaning? What is the holiday and why do we celebrate it? I also address several more questions that my students frequently ask about this holiday.
What is the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is a religious and cultural holiday that is celebrated annually on March 17th. The holiday is named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who was a Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland during the 5th century. The holiday has both religious and cultural significance. On the one hand, it is a day for Irish Catholics to celebrate their faith and commemorate Saint Patrick’s contributions to Christianity in Ireland. On the other hand, it has become a cultural celebration of Irish heritage and traditions, both in Ireland and around the world. In recent times, St. Patrick’s Day has also become a secular holiday that is celebrated by people of all backgrounds as a fun and festive occasion.
How old is St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in Ireland since the 9th or 10th century. We have records of it being celebrated in the United States as early as 1601. This is one of the most widespread celebrations that focus on one country’s traditions. This holiday was originally established to remember St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but it has since evolved more into a celebration of Irish traditions.
Where did this holiday begin?
Ireland is one of the British Isles. Saint Patrick felt called to spread the Christian message to this country. He established a strong presence of the church in Ireland and many legends and traditions in Ireland include Patrick. Ireland is known for not having any snakes. While there is no evidence that there ever were snakes in Ireland, the legend says that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. Some people believe that this was not a reference to the slithering reptiles, but a hidden reference to corrupt people.
How do people celebrate this holiday?
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun celebration in which people celebrate Irish culture. The holiday is in the middle of the Lent period in which people give up certain indulgences. This day is the day that the Lenten restrictions are lifted. Many people wear green which is the color that represents Ireland. Shamrocks are a popular decoration as they have been an Irish symbol for many years. In fact, it is a tradition that the Irish Prime Minister presents shamrocks to the United States President on or around St. Patrick’s day. You might also see leprechaun decorations. Leprechauns are characters from Irish legends. Sometimes they like to play tricks, but they are known to have a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Many cities hold parades for St. Patrick’s day. Chicago even colors one of the rivers green for the celebration. Irish music and dance are often seen during this time. This is a time to celebrate Irish heritage.
How is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in America?
St. Patrick’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday in America, especially in cities with large Irish populations such as Boston and New York. On this day, people wear green clothing, hats, and accessories to show their festive spirit. Parades are a common occurrence, featuring marching bands, floats, and dancers dressed in traditional Irish attire. Many people also indulge in traditional Irish food and drink such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and of course, beer. Pubs and bars become crowded with revelers drinking green beer and listening to live music. Overall, St. Patrick’s Day in America is a fun and lively celebration of Irish heritage and culture.
Resources for your Bilingual Classroom
I have several resources available to learn about St. Patrick’s Day and the related topic of Leprechauns in both English and Spanish.
Check out this page for more St. Patrick’s Day resources.
In addition, I have a video available about the holiday here.
