The History Of St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is a beloved holiday celebrated by people of Irish descent all over the world. Each year, on March 17th, cities and towns are awash with green as people don their best green outfits, drink green beer, and parade through the streets. But where did this tradition come from, and who was St. Patrick?

To answer these questions, we must dive into the rich history of St. Patrick's Day. From its origins in Ireland to its evolution into a global celebration of Irish culture, this holiday has a fascinating story that spans centuries.

You're probably not surprised to learn that St. Patrick's Day hasn't always been a raucous affair, celebrated with huge parades and green beer. As the feast day of Saint Patrick, it was and still is a holy day in Christianity. The day was first established in 1631 as a modest religious holiday, honoring Ireland's patron saint. Because it fell right in the middle of Lent, people began using it as a reason to celebrate and take a break from the restraints and abstinence of the period leading up to Easter.

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations we recognize today are actually a product of Irish immigrants in America. Parades sprung up in major U.S. cities in the 1700s, including Boston and New York City. As Irish populations grew in America, so did St. Patrick's Day festivities. During the 1900s, Americans on March 17 were wearing green clothes, eating corned beef and cabbage, and attending massive parades across the country.