stpatricks.day
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St. Patrick's Day, or "Patty's Day" is the Irish feast day
which celebrates none other than Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland
who was around from 386 to 461 AD.
The day is celebrated worldwide by the Irish, the Scottish, and increasingly by anybody who just wants to party, and drink too much Guinness.
The day's come to be associated with everything Irish
anything green and gold, shamrocks and plain old good luck
*drums*
The biggest celebrations in Ireland, outside Dublin, are in Down Patrick
where St. Patrick, following his death on March 17, 461 AD
The man himself is largely credited with converting Ireland from Pagan
to a Christian nation.
He also banished snakes from the island, driving them into the sea.
Although, the snakes are probably a metaphor for the Druids.
Many Irish people still wear a bunch of shamrock on this day, even presidents of the United States.
Patty's day parades in Ireland date from the late 19th century
Originating in the growing sense of nationalism of the period
In the mid 90s, a group called the St. Patrick's festival was setup by the government
the aim to offer a national festival that promotes Ireland's sophisticated modern image
The five largest parades of recent years have been held in Dublin
New York City, Manchester, Montreal, and Boston,
the New York parade, generally regarded as the largest.
Parades also take place in other cities including London,
Paris, Rome, Munich, Hong Kong, Copenhagen, and Chicago,
where they dye a stretch of the river emerald green
The Patty's Day custom came to America in 1737,
that was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in the US, in Boston.
One reason St. Patrick's day may have become so popular in the US and elsewhere
is that it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring.
So, say, "good bye" to the winter blues, and wear the green on St. Patrick's day.