Get Pinched or Go Green!

Beginings

Starting in the 17th century and paying honor to the death date of guess who…St. Patrick. (385-461 A.D.) The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Celebrations include church services, festivals, parades, the wearing of green and drinking alcohol in large quantities.

Born in the 4th century in then Roman Britain into a wealthy family. His grandfather was a priest and his father a deacon in the Christian church. According to the “Declaration” supposedly written by Patrick himself.

It states that at age sixteen he was kidnapped and taken as a slave to the Gaelic Ireland where he was a shepherd for six years in which time he found God.

The “Declaration” goes on to say that God told Patrick to flee to the coast where a waiting ship would carry him home. After arriving back home Patrick went on to become a priest.

In 1903 Ireland made it a official holiday with the “Bank Holiday Act” and Ireland hosted it’s first parade. (this was hundred’s of years after North America’s first parade).

On Saint Patrick’s Day 1916, the Irish Volunteers an Irish nationalist paramilitary organization—held parades throughout Ireland and the authorities recorded 38 St Patrick’s Day parades, involving 6,000 marchers, almost half of whom were reported to be armed.

This marked the beginning of the Irish revolutionary period and led to the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. In 1931 the first official, state-sponsored Saint Patrick’s Day parade was held in Dublin.

Let’s Party

England – The Irish Guard receives bowls of shamrocks from British Royals. Only fresh shamrocks are used in this tradition and are flown in from Ireland to wherever they are stationed. pretty cool huh.
Scotland – With it’s large Irish population and abundance of Irish pubs Glasgow holds yearly celebrations on St. Paddy’s day including festivals and a parade since 2007
Switzerland – Hosting festivities like those in neighboring European countries Swiss students add celebrations in their on homes on St. Patrick’s eve. Guests usually bring beverages and wear something green.
Canada – Montreal host the largest and longest running parade in North America (French: le jour de la Saint-Patrick) Since 1824 this parade has been held without interruption. There has been a parade held in Toronto since at least 1863.
United States – Celebrated since 1600 with the first parade in 1601 Celebrations include prominent displays of the color green, religious observances, numerous parades, and abundant consumption of alcohol. If not wearing green on this holiday it is acceptable for anyone to pinch you.