March 17th marks Saint Patrick’s Day, an event celebrating the patron saint of Ireland and Irish culture. While the day has its origins in Ireland, it has since grown into a nationwide occasion, celebrated all over the world. To mark the day, we will look at how the world celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day.
Origins of Saint Patrick
To understand the importance of Saint Patrick’s Day, we must first understand the man. Unfortunately, very little is known for certain. Historians and theologians have attempted to connect the dots over the years.
Born towards the end of the fourth century A.D, St. Patrick was not a native of Ireland. Instead, he was born in Roman Britain, and is believed to have been from a wealthy family. In his childhood, he was not religious, though was exposed to Christian beliefs. At the age of sixteen, Irish raiders kidnapped and enslaved him.
Forced to work as a shepherd, he spent much of his time in isolation. Plagued by loneliness and fear he turned to prayer, becoming a devout Christian. After six years, he heard a voice – which he assumed to be God – that told him it was time to leave Ireland, and that a boat awaited him.
He escaped by convincing a sailor to take him back to Britain, where he was reunited with his family. Upon returning home, he adopted a new name: Patricius, which became Patrick.
Soon after, he would have another vision, which would inspire him to return to Ireland and convert its people to Christianity. To accomplish this goal, he studied for fifteen years to become a missionary.
Though there is evidence that Christianity had already taken root on the island, Saint Patrick is credited with converting its pagan population almost in its entirety. Other stories exist, such as how he drove out all the island’s snakes with a sermon, but this is thought to be an allegory for paganism.
Irish Celebrations
Saint Patrick’s Day was officially made a feast day early in the 17th Century. It is observed to this day by the Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran Churches. It celebrates Saint Patrick’s conversion of the Irish and has, by extension, become a celebration of Irish culture and history.
For many years, the day was marked by sombre prayer and religious reflection. It was also a day that, though occurring during the period of lent, saw a lifting of restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol. Drinking, in particular, has become an integral part of modern celebrations.
The idea of Saint Patrick’s Day parades was not introduced to Ireland until the early 1900s. They had, however, been a tradition in North America since the late 18th Century, with Irish immigrants celebrating their heritage.
In more recent times, Saint Patrick’s Day has been marked by festivals involving concerts, fireworks, and outdoor theatre performances. It is also used to spread awareness of the Irish language, and to celebrate what it means to be Irish.
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations Around the World
Over time, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations have spread to all corners of the world. Whilst it travelled first with Irish immigrants, it has since been bolstered by increased commercialism. Now even countries with marginal Irish populations host national celebrations. These can range from the illumination of monuments with green lights to full-scale parades.
England
England has a sizeable Irish population, which has seen Saint Patrick’s Day become an important occasion in the nation. One of England’s most enduring traditions is the presenting of bowls of shamrocks to the Irish Guards, a regiment of the British Army.
Birmingham, London, Liverpool, and Manchester all host sizeable events to commemorate the day, including parades and festivals. Many areas of England, particularly Manchester, are home to large populations with Irish heritage, making Saint Patrick’s Day an important date on the calendar.
Scotland
With similar Gaelic roots, Scotland is also home to large Saint Patrick’s Day festivities. Glasgow is home to a large Irish population, dating back to 19th Century Irish immigration that raised the city’s population by over 100,000 people. Every year, the city hosts a festival and parade in honour of Saint Patrick.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
There are many Irish expatriates in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As such, Saint Patrick’s Day has become an event of significance in the country. It is home to the Sarajevo Irish Festival, established in 2015; there are parades, Irish films, and Irish folk musicians are invited to play.
Japan
You might be surprised to learn that Saint Patrick’s Day has made a major impression on the Japanese. While the country is predominantly non-Christian, Japan has formed a strong friendship with Ireland and are eager to show their appreciation for Irish culture. They have connections to Irish writer Lafcadio Hearn, and are home to hundreds of Irish pubs. Every year there are fifteen Saint Patrick’s Day parades across the country.
United States of America
Perhaps the country most responsible for popularising Saint Patrick’s Day as a worldwide event rather than a purely Irish one, the United States pull out all the stops. With a sizeable Irish immigrant population, dating all the way back to 1601 – when the United States were still British colonies – it is no wonder there are so many celebrations.
New York City is home to the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world. Meanwhile Chicago, with one of the largest populations of Irish descent in the US, celebrates by dying its river green. The country is, perhaps, most responsible for the commercialisation of the event. There has been a lot of criticism aimed at the uncontrolled drinking and harmful Irish stereotypes associated with American celebrations. However, the US have raised worldwide awareness of this important Irish event.
New Zealand
Since the 1850s, New Zealand has been home to many Irish migrants. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations have been taking place in the country for almost as long. These began with community picnics, but soon grew into full-scale parades celebrating their heritage. New Zealand was home to some of the earliest dedicated Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations and continues to host them to this day.
Staying Safe on St. Patrick’s Day
When celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, it is important to stay safe. Think about your mobility and your needs. Before drinking, make sure it won’t interfere with any medication. Your wellbeing is just as important – if not more so – as the celebration itself.
For extra peace of mind at home, consider purchasing a Lifeline alarm. Our lifesaving service provides 24/7 support 365 days a year. Our team have been accredited by the TSA, ensuring you are receiving the best service possible.
In an emergency, simply activate your pendant alarm and help will be arranged for you.
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