| Holidays come in all shapes and sizes, from huge seasonal events to quiet days of remembrance1. St. Patrick's Day, which is celebrated on March 17, is an interesting mix of both. Many people and places do not hold events for this occasion, while others declare it a national holiday. For over 1,500 years, it has been celebrated by the Irish as the anniversary of St. Patrick's death on March 17, 461.
St. Patrick is celebrated every March because he is the patron saint2 of Ireland. He is responsible for bringing Christianity3 to the island and changing the local people to his beliefs. Although St. Patrick's Day was first created as a religious holiday, it is now a time for people to celebrate Irish culture.
It is tradition to wear green on St. Patrick's Day, and anyone caught not wearing it should be pinched. Decorating with shamrocks4 is a common sight, and so is dying fountains and rivers green. Catholics5 attend a special mass6 on this day, and big meals are planned with families or the community. The day is also celebrated with parades, live music, dancing, and even green beer. |
