stpatricks.day

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.