The History
Of St. Patrick's Day
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Saint
Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish:
anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly,
to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day
is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering
prayers for missionaries worldwide.
So,
why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is
the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in
Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around
the world, they took with them their history and celebrations.
The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With
the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses
close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many
Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for
offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious
celebrating begins.
In
American cities with a large Irish population, St. Patrick's
Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike
celebrate with parades, "wearing of the green," music and
songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as
crafts, coloring and games. Some communities even go so far as
to dye rivers or streams green!
Now
you know a little more about St. Patrick's Day! |
