You all know what St. Patrick’s Day is and the celebrations that occur on this day, but do you know the person that it truly it was created for and why?  How did it all begin and why is it so prevalent here in the U.S.?

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, the saint’s religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The St. Patty’s Parade moved to the U.S. on March 17, 1762 (18th Century) prior to the American Revolution when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in NYC.  It is largely celebrated as a day to remember one of Ireland’s patron saints, St. Patrick marking his life and deeds.  It is in addition to celebrating Irish-American culture in the U.S. by concentrating on Irish-themed parties, alcoholic drinks and food.  Since 1991, stated by either the U.S. Congress or the President,  March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month due to the date of St. Patrick’s Day.

Seattle has been recognized since 2009, as the largest and oldest venue hosting St. Patty’s Parades in the Northwest.  NYC is the oldest (1762) and the largest in the World with Pearl River, NY being the 2nd largest in NY with over 100,000 spectators and people celebrating.  The 2nd largest in the U.S. is in Holyoke, MA.  The World’s Shortest Street St. Patty’s Parade is in Maryville, MO that follows down 1/2 block.

Traditions are by far and many.  Some cities, such as Chicago dye their river green while in Indianapolis dyes their canals green.  In Savannah, downtown City fountains are turned the same color.    

Symbols of this day are generally almost anything green; a green, orange, white flag of the Republic of Ireland and brands of beer associated with Irish culture.  Religious symbols (I would guess back then?) are snakes and serpents.  Irish symbols are the harp (okay, much better) , which was used in Ireland for centuries as well as a mythological creature known as a Leprechaun and a pot of gold he hides.

It is said that there are 36.9 million U.S. residents with Irish roots, which is eight times the population of Ireland itself!

All in all, St. Patrick was a Saint and all remember him each year by remembering his good deeds thru drink, food and song.

Seattle will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2012, with Parade beginning at 12:30 p.m. starting at 4th and Jefferson.

(Sources:  Wikipedia, U.S. Census Bureau and the Irish Heritage Club).

(c) 2012 The NW Fire Blog