Evolution of St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day was just celebrated on March 17th. Americans now of days celebrate St. Patrick's Day "with parades, good cheer, and perhaps a pint of beer" (Roach). Many Americans do not know Ireland's historic story of St. Patrick's Day. Over the years, St. Patrick's Day evolved from a religious feast in Ireland, to a celebration of beer and green leprechauns in the U.S

The original St. Patrick's Day celebration originated in Ireland. The story goes, Saint Patrick was kidnapped from Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave. Saint Patrick "later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people" (A&E). After St. Patrick's death the Irish culture integrated the " known legend... holy trinity (father, son and holy spirit) and using the leaves of the native Irish clover, the shamrock" (A&E). In the 1970s, "St.Patrick's Day in Ireland was a minor religious holiday. A priest would acknowledge the feast day, and families would celebrate with a big meal, but that's about it" (Roach). After Irish immigrant came to the U.S, they brought the traditions with them. Some people may ask "but how did it evolve into green and leprechauns?"

National Geographic  states that "St. Patrick's Day was basically invented in America by Irish Americans." Americans would wear Green to show commitment to Ireland on the St.Patrick's Day. "In 1962 the show of solidarity took a spectacular turn in Chicago when the city decided to dye a portion of the Chicago River green" (Roach). Steve Bailey used green in the river to track pollution and then the tradition of green began on every St. Patrick's Day.

 Leprechauns and beer are also a modern part of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. On St. Patrick's Day "more than 13 million pints" of Guinness is consumed. Irish immigrants brought the beer when they migrated to the U.S and every St. Patrick's Day since, the beer is used to commemorate the Irish tradition. Leprechauns are also used to symbolize modern St. Patrick's Day. Leprechauns are known as little mischievous fairies that hide their pot of gold in rainbows. "Leprechauns were originally depicted wearing red, not green. The idea of wearing green was at 20th century invention, when it became used as a short-hand for everything Irish" (Johnson).

Today, People from all around the world come together and celebrate St. Patrick's Day. In the U.S, people may celebrate by going to the pub and drink Guinness or even show appreciation by wearing green. Some people, not knowing its historic origin still have a good time on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day.





References

Johnson, Bailey. "St. Patrick's Day: History of Leprechauns." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 17 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

Roach, John. "St. Patrick's Day 2012: Facts, Myths, and Traditions." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 16 Mar. 2012. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

"St. Patrick's Day." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

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