Liv Knecht, Sophomore
March 17th comes rolling around the corner this year? What is this date? It’s St. Patrick's Day!
St. Patrick was a man who had lived in the 5th century. He was born in Roman Britain in the year 385. By the age of 16, he had been kidnapped and taken to Ireland to be a slave. After successfully escaping the country, he had returned years later and was credited with bringing Christianity to the people. Years later, his death was believed to be on March 17, 461, as it’s difficult to note exactly when his actual death took place.
His story became part of Irish mythology, which means it became a big part of Irish culture. A well-known legend of St. Patrick is when he had explained the Holy Trinity to people using a three-leaf clover, also known as the shamrock, which is the native clover to Ireland.
The first record of the holiday being celebrated was over in America with a St. Patrick's parade. The parade was held on March 17th, 1601, in a small Spanish colony also known as modern-day St. Augustine. The parade was organized by the Spanish colony’s Irish Vicar Artur.
Over a century later, Irish soldiers who had fought for the English army and were homesick, marched through New York City on March 17th, 1772, in honor of the patron saint, holding their own form of a parade.
Over the past 35 years and more the holiday has become well known and commercialized. The holiday is celebrated with many different traditions now, which includes wearing green, making Irish dishes such as Irish potatoes, Irish soda bread with honey butter, and Irish coffee pudding.
Now for some fun facts and information from our staff and students!
The students and staff at Palisades High School were interviewed to get their opinion on St. Patrick’s Day and if they do any traditions.
A big thing that people do during the holiday is wearing green, getting a shamrock shake from McDonald's, and eating Irish potatoes. When interviewing the Irish students, they said that they spend time with their family listening to traditional Irish music and making a leprechaun trap, preparing and eating and drinking traditional Irish foods or drinks. Many of the students and staff that are Irish do decorate their house as well. Some people don’t celebrate the holiday but still appreciate it.
Be sure to look around for students and teachers wearing green—23 students and staff said they are planning on wearing green!
Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day
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