By Lisa E. Kirkwood
As we leave behind the winter blues and cold, and embrace the spring cheers, good vibes, and warmer weather, this is a good time to gather outdoors with families, friends, and people in our communities and join in various social events.
Among the most famous spring celebrations is the jolly St Paddy’s Day, observed each year on March 17. Originally an ancient Irish tradition, and a religious holiday, with its modern significance, jovial icons, and green color, it has long become part of our global culture.
St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the death of the patron saint of Ireland and the arrival of Christianity in that region. A known figure in the early Christian church, Saint Patrick was born Maewyn Succat but changed his name to “Patricius” after becoming a priest. Legend has it that he used a three-leafed clover or shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity, and he would wear mostly blue, not green attire.
Centuries after his death, people started pinning a shamrock to their clothes as they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. This custom has been widely adopted and carried on into our times, not only in Ireland, but worldwide. The shamrock can be a natural green leaf plant, or made of gold, plastic, and painted wood, depending on the material means of the crowd wearing this popular symbol of luck throughout the ages.
Established since around the ninth or 10th century, the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, only became an official public holiday in Ireland in 1903. St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is now a national holiday, but until the 20th century, it was not celebrated in Europe the way it was celebrated in the U.S.
Fun fact: the first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parades took place not in Ireland, but in colonial America, and they included processions through the streets and cannon salutes.
Trivia: Patrick is the Anglicized form of Pádraig, nicknamed Páidín and Paddy. The name “Paddy” is considered inappropriate by some accounts, because the word itself has been used as a disparaging nickname for an Irishman. In 18th century informal British English, paddy refers to “a fit of temper”.
Regardless of geography or side connotations, this is party time, as St. Patrick’s Day is packed with parades, good luck charms, and large-scale displays of all things green. Yes, even ale can be dyed green on this day. The cheerful atmosphere and bright green color, as well as food and drink sampling, are all hallmarks of the beloved feast.
Many people dress in green outfits from head to toe, participate in large social gatherings named céilidhs, play folk music, sing, tap dance, share stories, drink beer, and enjoy special foods, like Colcannon – Irish mashed potatoes, a traditional dish that has been consumed in the country for generations, fried cabbage, and corned beef. Contrary to its name, corn is not served with this dish, the term is just a reference to the large grains of salt historically used to cure meats, which were also known as “corns.”
Another symbol of this very special day is the leprechaun, an integral part of Irish mythology. As described in old tales, leprechauns are small, mischievous creatures, not good, but not exactly evil either. They are spirits or fairies, who, according to folklore, deceive humans and serve as a warning against greed.
It is said that the green color can make you invisible to leprechauns, who constantly guard and move their hidden gold around to keep it safe from thieves. But if you manage to capture a leprechaun while moving his pot of gold, the treasure is yours to keep!
On this day, the whole world can embrace the many exciting elements of the rich Irish culture, including its famous dance. For decades, Michael Flatley and his ensemble, Lord of the Dance, have been performing traditional Irish step dance in tens of countries, further contributing to its universal popularity and appeal.
Riverdance is a theatrical live stage show that originated as an interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 1994, featuring Irish dancing champions Jean Butler, Michael Flatley and the vocal ensemble Anúna. Flatley produced, choreographed, and starred in the show that has been since touring the world, and Riverdance with its Irish folk dancing and traditional music is now widely recognized as a cultural symbol of Ireland.
Nowadays, throughout the USA, on St. Patrick’s Day, the themed parties and practice of dyeing rivers green have become established norms in honor of the proud heritage of Irish Americans. New York City boasts the largest annual parade, with over 2 million attendees. The dyeing of the Chicago River was added in the 1960s, quickly becoming one of Chicago’s most famous tourist attractions. Among others, the White River in Indianapolis, as well as one of the fountains at the White House, are also colored green in observance of St. Patrick’s Day that has become an official city event in countless American municipalities.
The lucky shamrock is prominently featured on apparel, you can wear green vests or hats, and fake, long red beards or wigs, and you may also find a T-shirt that reads,” I’m not Irish, but kiss me and you might get lucky!”
As the saying goes, on St. Paddy’s Day, everyone is Irish. Whether by descent or by choice, Irish or not, we can all enjoy this longstanding tradition and celebration of the Irish spirit, culture, history, and global humanity overall. May the luck of the Irish be with you every day! Happy St. Paddy!
