Saint Patrick’s Day is a widely celebrated event all throughout the United States. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was credited for introducing and bringing Christianity to the land. In the United States, there are a few cathedrals that are named after Saint Patrick. This exciting holiday takes place on March 17th every year and this is the day that Saint Patrick died. Green, gold, shamrocks, and the Celtic Cross all represent this special day. Both adults and children join the celebration by singing, dancing, eating, attending parades and more. You will often see adults drinking green beer. It is a day filled with excitement for children. Some parades are known to give out cabbages along the route.
In a few American cities and towns, there are large populations of Irish people who celebrate the holiday with flairs like dying whole rivers and lakes green. Irish food is often served at this popular event. This special holiday first began in Ireland and soon it was introduced to the rest of the world. It is a holy day and many people attend mass or go to church to remember the patron saint. In Ireland, on the day of the celebration, many businesses close to celebrate and give respect to this saint.
In the state of Louisiana, this year the parades for Saint Patrick’s Day begin rolling March 13 through April 6. You can check your city or town to find out when parades start to roll if you are interested in joining the fun. Some fun events for children also include green face painting. There are special beliefs that if you do not wear green on the holiday, you take a risk of being pinched.
The Irish culture is so very friendly, warm and welcoming to visitors.
They want you to explore and learn about there history, heritage and culture. You can join them this 2014 to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and not only experience fun and excitement but have the opportunity to learn. If the holiday falls on a weekday, then school children will usually wear a touch of green so they will not be pinched. Some examples are green shamrock beads, green shoelaces or green hair ribbons.
Ireland is beautiful with its green rolling hills and coastal mountains and it has a very warm climate. In America alone, there are about 70 million people who have a touch of Irish blood running through their veins. A popular tradition of the Irish is the parades that honor Saint Patrick. Another tradition of the Irish is that Irish boys and girls dress in Celtic patterned costumes and dance, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Saint Patrick was a humbled man and during his time in Ireland, he used the shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity to pagans. Thousands of Holy Wells are located throughout Ireland and some can still be seen bearing his name. These are the wells where they baptize children. He inspired millions of people throughout Ireland and lead them to the right path of God. He had many, many followers and he still does today.
