March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day! On March 17, today kicks off a worldwide celebration that is also known as the Feast of St. Patrick.   

  

Today. many will wear green in honor of the Irish and decorate with shamrocks. In fact, the wearing of the green is a tradition that dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726.   

  

St. Patrick (c. A.D. 385–461) was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland, the other patron saints being Brigit of Kildare and Columba. Patrick was never formally canonised 

  

He was also known to use the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and to have worn green clothing. They’ll revel in the Irish heritage and eat traditional Irish fare as well. 

  

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since before the country was formed. While the holiday has been a bit more of a rowdy one, with green beer, parades, and talk of leprechauns, in Ireland, it the day is more of a solemn event.  

  

It wasn’t until broadcasts of the events in the United States were aired in Ireland some of the Yankee ways spread across the pond. One tradition that is an Irish-American tradition not common to Ireland is corned beef and cabbage. 

  

HOW TO OBSERVE 

  

Remember to wear green. Read up about St. Patrick’s Day and cook up an Irish feast! Use #StPatricksDay to post on social media. 

Check out this delicious Reuben Casserole from #holidayfoodies. You won’t regret it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YAGtzBzog8 

HISTORY 

The Feast of St. Patrick started in the early 17 century. The day marks the death of St. Patrick and was chosen as an official Christian feast day and is observed by the Catholic Church.  

The day is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat.  

It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. 

How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? 

#StPatricksDay
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