The national Irish celebration of St. Patrick, known as St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17th. This is the most important celebration for the Irish people, St. Patrick being the patron Saint of Ireland. Most Christian countries have patron saints, who are chosen as protectors of the people and country. In time, the St. Patrick's Day had become so huge, that it’s become quite popular in the US and other countries too. Still, Irish are the best at celebrating their saint patron.
Who Was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was a Christian missionary and the Apostle of Ireland. He is the missionary who converted the people of Ireland to Christianity.
Actually, he was not Irish at all.
St. Patrick was born in Britain in 385 AD and was brought as a slave in Ireland when he was only 16. After managing to escape back to Britain, he became a priest. One night he had a vision of the Irish people and decided to return and spread the Christian belief amongst them.
The rest is history and legend.
One legend said that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Later on, the three-leaved shamrock and its bright green color, become the symbol of Ireland.
How Do Irish People Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Well, as with any religious feast, there’s always traditional food and a lot of jolly. The popular Irish meals for St. Patrick's Day is corned beef and cabbage, but they also enjoy a good ol’ pint of locally crafted Guinness (or more). And, of course, the traditional Irish potato chips sandwiched between two slices of buttered white bread, also known as the hangover cure.
Marching on the streets dressed in traditional Irish clothing, singing, and getting together are other ways in which the Irish people celebrate St. Patrick's Day.