St. Patrick’s Day: Origin And Tradition

Every year on March 17th, celebrations take place in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. These celebrations such as parades, wearing the color green, eating the traditional dishes such as Corned Beef and Cabbage, and drinking green beer in Irish pubs have become traditions over the years. Where did these traditions originate from and what do they really represent?
Wherever they came from, they have become annual celebrations throughout the world but especially in the U.S. and Ireland. The origin of St. Patrick’s Day, of course, starts with St. Patrick. But who is he and what is his significance that prompted such celebrations?




The Druids were not happy with St. Patrick’s preaching. They were a mystical group who had some unusual beliefs such as worshipping wood, particularly the oak. Not only did he suffer at their hands, but St. Patrick explained how sad he was when he had just baptized a group of young converts, and then the very next day the Druids came in and slaughtered them.
While certain legends and myths evolved, he actually did become legendary. He was looked upon as a saint. Some even said that he drove snakes out of Ireland. Although this most likely did not literally happen, the snakes were probably metaphorical to symbolize evil. Celebrations surrounding the assumed date of his death began taking place sometime during the 17th century.

Green was not really the official color of the Irish. It was actually blue but because the Irish did not want to associate with the color of the British (as that was more associated with English rule), they changed the color to green.
The first actual parade did not even take place in Ireland. It was thought to have started in Boston, Massachusetts in 1736, but recent historians have discovered evidence that has led them to believe it was in 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida.
People celebrate a lot of holidays without really knowing why and even what they are celebrating. It is interesting to go back and take a look at the origins of these traditions and discover new things.