The History Behind Saint Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching and with it comes to the celebration of everything Irish! Do you have your St. Patrick's Day temporary tattoos ready?
The holiday is held on March 17th, the date of Saint Patrick’s death. St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of the Life of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Traditions associated with the holiday include drinking festivities, wearing shamrocks, and going green. But where’d these traditions come from? Let’s delve into the history of Saint Patrick’s Day and find out!
Why Are Shamrocks Big on St. Patty's Day?
Have you ever wondered why the shamrock is associated with St. Patrick’s Day? I know I have. That’s where research comes in handy. Back in the 5th century, as Christianity was just starting to make its way into Ireland, St. Patrick used the three-leafed clover in order to demonstrate the Holy Trinity. The clover, already having been a sacred image in pre-Christianity Ireland, was adopted as the central symbol of St. Patrick’s Day as a result. You can find the clover nearly everywhere during the month of March. If you find a four-leaf clover, count yourself lucky, you are in for great fortune!
Why Do People Wear Green on St. Patrick's Day?
The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is an odd one. The reason the tradition of wearing green is strange is that the color that was most commonly associated with Saint Patrick himself was actually blue. However, as a result of wearing green ribbons and shamrock to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Green became the color associated with the holiday. So be sure to wear a ton of green on the 17th. If you don’t, you’d better watch out because you are bound to get pinched by the first friend who notices. In addition to wearing green, it seems the whole world goes green as well. Green pancakes, green eggs and ham, and even green milk! You can’t look anywhere without seeing green.
How Did St. Patrick's Day Become A "Drinking" Holiday?
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the leading days for alcohol consumption in America. How did drinking become a tradition on this holiday? On St. Patrick’s Day, as a part of the celebration, the restrictions of Lent are lifted. Lent, being a Christian Tradition in which you give up one thing from your life from (traditionally) Ash Wednesday until the day before Easter. As a result of alcohol being one of the more common things that people give up, alcohol consumption on St. Patrick’s Day became a tradition. St. Patrick ’s Day has become a celebration of the Irish and a great way for people to get together and let loose.
What are your St. Patrick’s Day traditions? Do you have plans to celebrate? Leave us a comment below and tell us all about it! Check out all of the adorable tattoos in this St. Patty's Day pack.
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