The History of Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick’s Day causes many different reactions. Many may remember their years in preschool and kindergarten that teachers read them stories of a leprechaun and gave them chocolate coins. However, as one gets older, they may choose to see St. Patrick’s Day as a celebration for the Catholic faith, as a celebration of Irish culture, or a combination of the two. Whatever way you see St. Patrick’s Day, the history of this holiday is the same.

   Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain, which was the area of current-day Great Britain occupied by the Romans, in the late 4th century. At the age of 16, St. Patrick was captured and taken into England as a slave. However, he was not a slave for long; he managed to escape. In spite of being taken to Ireland by force, St. Patrick returned there in 432 to convert Ireland to Christianity. He established schools, monasteries, and churches in Ireland before his death on March 17th, 1461. Saint Patrick was proclaimed a saint by the other residents of Ireland, for the process of canonization as we know it now was not established until the 12th century. This is when the facts about Saint Patrick end. However, many legends about Saint Patrick sprung up, including Saint Patrick’s use of a shamrock to explain the Trinity and his removal of all snakes from Ireland. As a result of both these legends and his actual life, the Irish began to celebrate him with feasts and religious services.

   Saint Patrick’s Day is still celebrated. Emigrants from Ireland brought a secular tradition of St. Patrick’s Day to the US, one in which people celebrate Irish culture. Common practices in the US include celebrating with parades and dying river water green. In the Catholic Church, the day of St. Patrick’s Day is a feast day. Saint Patrick’s history and legends surrounding it eventually led to the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day around the world.