17th March 1753 - present (annual celebration)
This day in History...Saint Patrick's Day was first celebrated and has continued to be an annual celebration
St. Patrick's Day has been a widely celebrated occasion for hundreds of years. Most people probably only know it today as an excuse to get drunk, dress up like a leprechaun - or in green - and talk nonsense in an Irish accent. This modern perception of St. Paddy's day is of course fun and exciting, but its always important to remember the origins of such a day. It is after all a religious celebration.
Image retrieved from Google. Will remove at owner's request.Celebration time |
Image retrieved from Google. Will remove at owner's request St. Patrick |
Image retrieved from Google. Will remove at owner's request. St. Patrick's Declaration |
- The Shamrock (clover) - The 3 leaves of the shamrock were believed to represent the Holy Trinity, making it easy for Paddy to teach those whom he preached to
- Snakes - The absence of snakes in Ireland is believed to be the work of Paddy. Legends tell us that he either chased the snaked into the sea after they attacked him, or that he put them in boxes and threw them into the sea. The latter theory also suggests that the rough Irish seas are due to the snakes trying to get out of the boxes
- The Walking Stick - When Paddy was evangelising people he would always thrust his ash wood walking stick into the ground. It is believed that when he reached Aspatria, it took so long for his holy message to be accepted, that his stick had taken root into the ground, turning into a tree.
Image retrieved from Google. Will remove at owner's request. |
Celebrations: St. Patrick's day was made official in the 17th Century and is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans. It is celebrated widely around the world, especially by the Irish diaspora countries like; Britain, Canada, US, Argentina, Australia and NZ. Most of the religions attend church on the day and the restrictions of Lent are lifted for the day in terms of food and consuming alcohol - hence the origin of getting wasted! Each place celebrates differently, but the general gist is; wearing green - shamrocks and the Irish flag; festivals and parades in the street; and parties in the Irish pubs around the world. Even the International Space Station has had Irish music being played on Irish instruments and photos of Ireland have been taken from Space. Basically, in order to celebrate St. Paddy's day, all you have to do is think 'green' and 'alcohol.' So wherever you are in the world, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Image retrieved from Google. Will remove at owner's request. President Obama in an Irish pub, just steps away from the Capitol, 2012 |
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