People all over are preparing for St. Patrick's Day, which is coming up on March 17. This special day has been celebrated for centuries and is extremely important to people all over the world because it commemorates Irish history and culture as per USA Today.
St. Patrick's Day: Date and history
St. Patrick's Day commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is said to have died on March 17. Saint Patrick had an interesting life story: he was born in Britain, but when he was a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. After escaping, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, spreading Christianity throughout the country.
Significance
For Irish and Irish Americans, St. Patrick's Day is more than just having fun. It's a special occasion to commemorate their heritage. According to Elizabeth Stack, Director of the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany, "The day gives Irish and Irish Americans the opportunity to celebrate their heritage."
Brian Witt, who helps organize events for the Milwaukee Irish Fest, adds, "The parades in places like the States and England show how the Irish have contributed to society and how they've been accepted as part of it."
Evolution of celebrations
St. Patrick's Day celebrations have changed dramatically over the years. It used to be a serious religious day, but nowadays it's all about celebrating Irish culture. People first began celebrating it during colonial times in America.
The first recorded celebration dates back to the 1600s! Since then, it has evolved into a popular tradition, with parades and festivals taking place in the 19th century.
St. Patrick's Day is a big deal in Ireland, and it's even a national holiday. But the celebration extends far beyond Ireland's borders. Many countries with strong Irish connections also join in the fun!
They hold parades, festivals, and other events to commemorate the day and showcase Irish culture. This global celebration highlights how much Irish heritage has influenced people all over the world.
The color green
Although St. Patrick was historically associated with the color blue, wearing green on St. Patrick's Day has become extremely popular. According to Brian Witt, "Irish Americans wear green to show they're really proud of their Irish roots." Elizabeth Stack adds that some people believe that wearing green makes them invisible to leprechauns, a fun tradition that originated in America.
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