St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration for most Americans, especially of Irish descent. The holiday is associated with festivities, dancing, parades, and other activities.
The origin of St. Patrick’s Day follows Saint Patrick, a patron saint and a bishop. At 16 years of age, Patrick was kidnapped, enslaved, and brought to Ireland. He eventually freed himself to reunite with his family in Britain.
He later returned to Ireland as a missionary and was said to be responsible for bringing Christianity to the Celtic people. Patrick eventually resided in a small town called Saul. It is said that an angel told him to write “Confessio,” a confession book of his life. He would eventually end up passing away in his home on March 17, 461.
After his death, Patrick had been solidified as a legend for the Celtic people. Mythical stories also started to pop up, including a story of him raising 33 people from the dead.
The shamrock, although being a staple of Irish culture, is also an important aspect when telling the story of St. Patrick because this legend depicts Patrick explaining the holy trinity which included (Father, Son, & the Holy Spirit) and comparing it to the three-leaved plant.
The first celebration of St. Patrick’s Day was held in America despite the holiday being a part of Irish Culture in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, Florida. In modern day, the holiday is celebrated more in major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Boston.
The traditions behind the holiday have also drastically changed from a very traditional religious day dedicated to the teachings of St. Patrick. In modern times, the celebration focuses on parades, feasts, and of course the tradition of wearing green clothes.
Given how the holiday has evolved over the years, students on campus have their own ways to celebrate.
“I went with my sister to the Lemon Festival in Upland to celebrate, and then we went to eat,” junior Noah Lovato said.
Some students do not celebrate the holiday at all because it has no significance to them.
“I mainly just go to school and go home; I don’t do nothing,” junior Jonathan Robinson said.
With a holiday that has deep historical roots, over time it has become a beautiful tradition not only for the Irish but for everybody. Especially students on campus celebrating it in their own way.
