How To Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day

Millions around the globe mark Saint Patrick’s Day as a celebration of Irishness. Saint Patrick and Ireland have a long, interwoven history, where one is almost synonymous with the other. There are numerous traditions associated with the Patron Saint of Ireland. Check out below for some which we found particularly interesting!

Saint Patrick is heralded as the Patron Saint of Ireland, along with Saint Brigid of Kildare. Saint Patrick’s symbol of the shamrock is a national symbol of Ireland. Our Shamrock range of accessories make for special gifts for the man or woman proud of their Irish heritage and looking for something unique to wear on Patrick’s Day!

The story of Saint Patrick goes that he was a boy born in Roman Britain and at the age of 16 he was brought to Ireland as a slave where for six long years he laboured before gaining his freedom. The story continues that God spoke to Patrick and asked him to return to Ireland and convert the pagan Celts. Patrick did return and baptized over 120,000 Irish people and established over 300 churches and monasteries. He also famously rid the island of snakes and adopted the “Triskelion” symbol as his teaching tool for Christianity. This is why we associate Patrick with the Shamrock, even today. Patrick and his “crosier”, or ornate religious staff, are featured in the award winning History of Ireland range.

The History of Ireland range features twelve symbols of Irish history and heritage. Thousands of years of history are captured in the twelve symbols, including Saint Patrick, the G.P.O and the Round Tower among other poignant reminders of Irish heritage and emigration throughout history.

Is Saint Patrick’s Day Always Celebrated on March 17th?

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th as that is the recorded date on which he died in 461. For centuries the Catholic Church has marked March 17th as the Feast Day of Saint Patrick. Early celebrants wore crosses, ribbons or shamrocks to mark the day.

In 1903 March 17th was declared a Bank Holiday, or Public Holiday, in Ireland. This means that schools and businesses are closed on March 17th in Ireland. This year Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday, which means that much of the celebrating will begin the weekend before. Parades in Ireland and across the world will be held on March 15th.

How is Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrated in Ireland?

In Ireland Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated nationwide. In the Capital of Dublin, almost 500,000 visitors come to the city to celebrate the feast day. There is a parade which features musicians, dancers and other types of performers invited from around the world to participate.

The first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin was in 1931. Check out this vintage news clip from RTE (Radio Television Erin) for a glimpse into the 1971 festivities.

What is the History of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States?

The tradition of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States dates back to the founding of the country! In 1737 Boston held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade, and New York in 1762. The New York Saint Patrick’s Day parade today is the largest in the world, followed by the Parade in Savannah, Georgia. The tradition of a Saint Patrick’s Day parade began in Savannah as far back as in 1824!

There is even a tradition in Chicago to dye the river green for “Paddy’s Day”. This effect is achieved with a powdered, vegetable based dye. The river is dyed on the morning of the Parade and stays a vibrant green throughout the day, fading into the evening.

Since 2010 famous monuments around the world have gone green for Saint Patrick’s day. This show of support for the global Irish community is outstanding.

In Washington D.C. the Taoiseach and visiting Irish politicians are welcomed by the Irish Embassy. The Taoiseach is the Prime Minister and Head of Government for Ireland. Historically, the Taoiseach has presented the President of the United States with a bowl of shamrocks since 1952.

How Do You Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day?

So there you have it! Did you see your City’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebration listed above? We’d love to hear from you about your favorite way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day! Let us know below!