Saint Patrick’s Day

The day that everyone searches for their long lost Irish relative. Real or fiction, the true spirit of the Irish is alive and well every March 17th.

This year I thought it would be fun to research some fun facts about this day and luckily www.historyfacts.com is an AMAZING resource for daily facts. So feast your minds on these fun facts, one in particular that I found quite interesting:

The Transformation of a Patron Saint

The figure we recognize as St. Patrick was an outsider to the land he eventually transformed. Born in Roman Britain as Maewyn Succat, his connection to Ireland began under duress when he was enslaved by raiders as a teenager, of which he eventually escaped. His return to Ireland years later as a missionary was a pivotal moment in the island’s spiritual history, marking the transition from polytheistic traditions to Christianity.

Historical Realities vs. Folklore

• Historically, the color associated with the saint was "St. Patrick’s Blue." It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that green took a stronghold in Irish traditions. Some believe it was due to Ireland’s nickname, “Emerald Isle”, however it was during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 that green was seen as a symbol of Irish nationalism, officially cementing the color.

• “The saint that drove all the snakes our of Ireland”. It’s quite fascinating how legends can take on a life of their own. However, it’s quite hard to drive snakes out of a place where they never existed in the first place. The weather and harsh conditions make Ireland one of the few places on earth that naturally do not have snakes. (No wonder why my husband doesn’t like snakes)

• Observance. For centuries, March 17th was a strictly religious feast day. In Ireland, pubs were legally required to remain closed on the holiday until the 1970s to ensure the day was reserved for prayer and reflection.

The First Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is largely an Irish-American innovation. While Ireland focused on religious observance, Irish immigrants and soldiers in the American colonies used the day to assert their cultural identity:

• 1601: The first recorded celebration took place in St. Augustine, Florida.

• 1762: Irish soldiers serving in the British Army marched in New York City to reconnect with their heritage.

• 1903: It was only at the turn of the 20th century that Ireland hosted its first official parade, coinciding with the date becoming a public holiday.

Wishing you all a fun filled Saint Patrick’s Day in which ever form of celebration you choose.

Sláinte!