A time commonly overshadowed by the upcoming spring break, St. Patrick’s Day, occurring on March 17, is a very historic and important holiday and is more than just a green Chicago river and shamrock shakes.
St. Patrick, the Christian patron saint of Ireland (even though he was from Britain), was kidnapped at 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but eventually returned to convert the Irish to Christianity. By his death in 461 AD, he had established many monasteries, churches, and schools.
Irish immigrants brought the celebration to the United States, and Boston became the first city to officially have a St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, and many people across the country enjoy the corned beef and cabbage and dyed beer that have practically become commonplace. This is also a time for Irish families to come together and celebrate their heritage on such a loved holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day hardly used green until 1798, the year of the Irish Rebellion. Blue was more commonly featured on the Irish flag at the time and in the royal courts, but since the British wore red, the Irish wore green (likely since they are opposite colors on the color wheel), and thus officially establishing it as the color of the holiday, which has shown up in countless stores, advertisements, media, and so many other places.
We hope you had an amazing St. Patrick’s Day!
