March 17th, St. Patrick’s day, is widely known as a day of celebration and feast. But what are the origins of this Irish born holiday? March 17th is the anniversary of the death of the patron saint Patrick. For over 1,000 years the Irish have observed March 17th as a religious holiday. Traditionally they would attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. St. Patrick’s Day falls during the Christian season of Lent. During Lent, the consumption of meat is forbidden however, on St. Patrick’s Day the prohibition was waived and people would dance, drink and feast on traditional meals such as Irish bacon and cabbage.
So who was St. Patrick? Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain sometime during the fifth century, Saint Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 and brought to Ireland. Although kept as a slave, he eventually escaped. St. Patrick returned to Ireland sometime later, bringing Christianity with him. Over the centuries, St. Patrick has became more and more celebrated in Irish history and culture. Although originally an Irish holiday, March 17th is celebrated all over the world. The first parade though, was actually held in America. Records show that on March 17, 1601, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in a spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. Now days, the largest in the United States can be found in New York and Boston.
Read more on the history of St. Patrick’s Day: Origins, Meaning & Background
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