Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day, or "Paddy's Day" is the Irish feast day, which celebrates none other than Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who was around from 386 to 461 AD. A day celebrated worldwide by the Irish, the Scottish, and increasingly by anybody who just wants to party, and drink too much Guinness. The day has come to be associated with everything Irish, anything green and gold, shamrocks and plain old good luck. The biggest celebrations in Ireland outside Dublin are in Downpatrick, where Saint Patrick was buried, following his death on March 17th 461 AD The man himself is largely credited with converting Ireland from a pagan to a Christian nation. He also banished snakes from the Island, driving them into the sea. Although 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. Paddy's day parades in Ireland date from the late nineteenth century, originating in the growing sense of nationalism of the period. In the mid nineties, a group called "The Saint Patrick's festival" was set up by the Government. They aimed for 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 is generally regarded as the largest. Parades also take place in other cities, including London, Paris, Rome, Munich, Hong Kong, Copenhaguen, and Chicago, where they dye a stretch of the river Emerald Green. The Paddy's day custom came to America in 1737, that was the first year Saint Patrick's day was publicly celebrated in the US, in Boston, One reason Saint Patrick's day might 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 goodbye to the winter blues and wear the green on Saint Patrick's day.