The History of St. Patrick's Day: Why We Celebrate

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech at a St. Patrick’s Day reception and said, “The blessed Saint Patrick, we are told, died on this day in the year of Our Lord 461. And leave it to the Irish to be carrying on a wake for 1,500 years.” To no surprise, it was met with laughter and applause – and, in a funny way, had a ring of truth to it. 

The Irish are a loyal and steadfast nation that takes their history and traditions very seriously. They’ve preserved countless elements of their culture by nurturing what they believe in, generation by generation. Certainly, St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. 

Not only does the Irish nation take its festivities in honor of its patron saint seriously, so do countless other countries. Here in America, there are endless parades all across the states. 

You’ll also find plenty of other countries shaking things up on the big day, from Canada, to Great Britain, to Australia, and beyond. Together, let’s take a look at the history of St. Patrick’s Day and dig a little deeper into why we celebrate. 

The Origins of St. Patrick’s Day

To understand why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we first need to know a little bit more about the man behind the holiday. For example, did you know St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish?

He was born in Roman Britain around the late 4th century, possibly in what is now England, Scotland, or Wales. His birth name is believed to have been Maewyn Succat – and his journey to becoming the patron saint of Ireland wasn’t an easy one.

As a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. He spent several years working as a shepherd, during which time he turned to Christianity for comfort and guidance. 

Eventually, he managed to escape and return home. After his return, however, he had a vision calling him back to Ireland to spread Christianity. So, he became a missionary and returned to the very land where he had once been enslaved.

What St. Patrick Did for Ireland

Once back in Ireland, Patrick dedicated his life to spreading Christianity among the Irish people. He traveled extensively, setting up churches, schools, and monasteries. His efforts played a major role in converting Ireland from its pagan roots to Christianity.

One of the most well-known legends about St. Patrick is that he used the shamrock, a three-leafed clover, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This is one reason the shamrock is so closely associated with the holiday today.

Another famous legend claims that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. While it’s a great story, there’s actually no evidence that snakes ever lived in Ireland. More likely, the story is symbolic of St. Patrick eliminating pagan practices from the country.

St. Patrick’s influence on Ireland was profound and, after his death on March 17, 461 AD, he was venerated as the country’s patron saint. The anniversary of his death became a religious feast day, which eventually evolved into the celebration we know today.

How St. Patrick’s Day Is Celebrated

St. Patrick’s Day started as a solemn religious holiday in Ireland. For centuries, it was a day for prayer, church services, and quiet reflection. But, over time, the holiday transformed into a more festive occasion, especially as Irish culture spread across the world.

Celebrations in Ireland

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is both a religious and national holiday. Many Irish people attend Mass in the morning, and then enjoy parades, music, and dancing in the afternoon. 

Major cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway hold large festivals featuring fireworks, concerts, and traditional Irish food. Pubs and restaurants serve classic Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie, colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage), and, of course, plenty of Irish stout.

Celebrations Around the World

The biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations actually take place outside of Ireland, thanks to the millions of Irish immigrants who carried their traditions with them. Some of the most famous celebrations happen in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

• United States: The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S. was held in 1737 in Boston. Today, cities like New York, Chicago, and Savannah host massive parades with marching bands, floats, and dancers. Chicago even dyes its river green to mark the occasion!

• Canada: St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated in cities like Toronto and Montreal, which have large Irish communities. Montreal’s parade has been running since 1824.

• Australia: Irish heritage is strong in Australia, and cities like Sydney and Melbourne hold large festivities, complete with concerts and public gatherings.

• Other Countries: Even places with no direct connection to Ireland, such as Japan, Argentina, and South Korea, have embraced St. Patrick’s Day with parades and cultural events.

Symbols and Traditions

Over the years, various symbols and traditions have become associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Here are a few of the most iconic:

• Wearing Green: Green is linked to Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” and to the shamrock, which St. Patrick used in his teachings. In some countries, people who don’t wear green on March 17 risk getting playfully pinched by friends and family.

• Leprechauns: These mischievous little fairies from Irish folklore have become a fun part of modern-day celebrations. While originally portrayed as tricksters, today, they’re more commonly associated with pots of gold and good luck.

• Drinking Guinness: Thanks to Irish culture’s long history of brewing, drinking Guinness or other Irish beers has become a popular tradition. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was once a dry holiday, with pubs closed until the 1970s but, today, it’s one of the busiest drinking days of the year.

• Irish Music and Dancing: Traditional Irish music, or trad, and dance performances bring a lively spirit to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán (Irish drum) are commonly played throughout the festivities, both in pubs and people’s homes.

The Modern St. Patrick’s Day

Today, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a religious holiday – it’s a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Whether you’re of Irish descent or just enjoy a good party, the holiday is an opportunity to come together, share in the fun, and appreciate the rich history behind all these traditions.

Whether you’re attending a parade, raising a pint, or just wearing a bit of green, you’re taking part in a centuries-old tradition that continues to bring people together. 

Here at Your Life Buzz, we’ve got you covered with more ideas on how to celebrate this holiday. We’ve got all the details on the best parades to attend and some unique recipes for your party back at home. Next, we’ll be on standby to help you prepare for Easter. Until then, Sláinte!