According to the National Geographic, until the 1970s, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland was a minor religious holiday. It was a day of feasting, and families simply celebrated with a big meal. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America occurred during the Revolutionary War. Irish soldiers fighting for the British marched in New York City in 1762 and is now tradition. Leprechauns are part of Irish folklore that have made their way into the celebration somehow, though they were reported to wear red, and not green. They are said to be mischievous shoe makers who, if caught, might grant you three wishes for their freedom. They have nothing to do with St. Patrick himself, or course. As for the shamrocks, this tradition appears to be tied to the lore that he used the shamrock as a symbol for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Although the holiday here in America has become more about green foods, leprechauns, pots of gold, and the wearing green to avoid pinching, it’s good to take a moment to reflect on the true life of the patron saint of Ireland and teach your kids about the man behind the myth.
Sources:
1. https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/who-was-saint-patrick
2. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/100316-st-patricks-day-facts-shamrocks/
4. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/holidays/reference/saint-patricks-day/
