Celebrated annually on 17th March, St Patrick’s Day marks the death anniversary of the patron saint of Ireland – St. Patrick.
It is the day of fun, cheer and everything green! A day of good luck charms, rainbows, leprechauns, parade and most importantly everything Irish!
But before you gear up Patrick’s Day parade and let Patrick’s day hoopla take over, it is good idea to take a deep dive into St. Patrick’s day history, origins and background.
- St. Patrick’s Day History
- Origins of St. Patrick’s Day
- First St. Patrick’s Day Holiday
- First St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Leprechauns and St. Paddy’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day History
Saint Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, who propagated Christianity on the Emerald Isle. This 5th century missionary is accredited with establishing many monasteries, schools and churches in Ireland.
Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th Century around 386 AD, St. Patrick’s birth name was Maewyn Succat. Kidnapped by Irish raiders when he was 16 years old, he was taken to Ireland as a slave where he lived for nearly six years.
He then escaped from Ireland and travelled to France where he took refuge in a monastery, embraced Christianity and changed his name to Patrick.
Later around 432 CE, Saint Patrick returned to Ireland as a missionary to the spread the message of Jesus and used the famous three leaf clover to explain the holy trinity. No wonder, the three leaf clover or Shamrock symbolises St. Patrick’s day!
It is believed Saint Patrick was instrumental in propagating Christianity in Ireland while bringing down the popularity of pagan rituals and Druids.
Origins of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s day commemorates the death anniversary of the revered saint of Ireland. Though St Patrick died in fifth century on 17th March 461 CE, it was only towards the early ninth or tenth century the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick was observed.
Some believe that the Irish have been observing St. Patrick’s day for over 1,000 years.
Quick Tip: Make sure to get your kids crafting with these adorable Patrick’s Day Crafts.
When Was the First St. Patrick’s Day Holiday?
What is interesting is how it became a much celebrated holiday in America and around the globe. Apparently this holiday, which is synonymous to Irish culture, was bought to America by the Irish immigrants to celebrate their culture and heritage.
The church officially declared St. Patrick’s day to be a religious holiday on 17 March 1631. Over time, this religious feast day holiday by the Roman Catholic Church evolved into a national holiday.
Surprisingly, Ireland granted Saint Patrick’s day the status of an official public holiday in years later 1903.
Fast forward to present day, Patrick’s day is no longer just a religious holiday! Rather, St. Patrick’s day is more about fun and festivities! Church services held on Patrick’s day are followed by parades and parties, with everyone rejoicing to Irish music, songs and tunes
Quick Tip: Make sure to check your Irish IQ with St. Patrick’s Day Trivia.
Who Hosted The First St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
Coming to the Patrick’s Day parade, Boston organised the first green day parade back in 1737. Later in 1762, New York followed the suit with homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marching to pay homage to their patron saint and to celebrate their Irish heritage.
Interestingly, Ireland had its first Patrick’s day parade in 1903 at Waterford.
Over time, Paddy day evolved with people of even non-Irish ancestry, along with Irish Americans, taking part in the gala Patrick’s day parades, festivities and merrymaking.
Today, it is the day of festivities and indulging in Patrick’s day traditions of wearing green clothing, eating corned beef and cabbage, conviviality and Leprechauns!
Leprechaun & St. Patrick’s Day
Now that you have pretty much figured out what St. Patrick’s day festival is all about, there is still one piece of the puzzle that needs to be undone – Leprechauns and St. Patrick’s day!
How did Leprechauns come to be a part of the Green day? Well, Leprechauns are the reason many wear green on St. Patrick’s day!
It’s an interesting mythical story that needs to be told and is sure to entertain you and your kids. So according to Irish folklore, Leprechauns are solitary but mischievous creatures that hide pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Legend has it, if you catch a Leprechaun he has to tell you where his gold is hidden. But finding a Leprechaun ain’t so easy unless you are wearing green.
You see, Leprechauns cannot see people dressed in green on St. Patrick’s day! So, wearing green is the trick to catch a Leprechaun and get lucky.
Related: Now that you know a good deal about Leprechauns, make this cute Baby Yoda Leprechaun Craft for Paddy day!
And for those of you who do not fancy Leprechaun’s gold or the luck he brings, here is another reason to still wear green. Leprechauns like to pinch people they can see! That explains the tradition of pinching people banishing green robes on Paddy day.
Bottom line, wear green on St. Patrick’s day!
More St. Patrick’s Day Resources for Kids & Classroom
1. Patrick’s Day Trivia
A prefect addition to Patrick’s day classroom activity as well as a fun brain break, these 52 Patty day trivia questions are sure to test everyone’s smarts.
2. St. Patrick’s Day Facts
Soak-up on this list of 29 St. Patrick’s day fun facts that are sure to surprise everyone! These interesting facts are a fun way of sneaking in Patrick’s day history and traditions, without getting into too much detail.
3. Patrick’s Day Would You Rather
This Patrick’s day game promices super silly fun! Entertaining and full of mischief, these St. Patrick’s Would You Rather Questions will have you picking from awkward choices!
Great for classroom brain-breaks!
4. Patrick’s Day Crafts
Indulge in easy paddy day crafts to gear up for this fun-filled day! From pots of gold, 3D clover to Leprechauns, there is a St. Patrick’s day craft for everyone.
