Every year, a few days before the start of spring, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Originally a religious holiday, it has become over time a true national holiday in Ireland. For the occasion, Irish people around the world dress in green and honor the songs, dances and emblematic dishes of Celtic culture.
Christian holiday which celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day took place every year on March 17. Officially recognized as a legal holiday since 1607, it allows the Irish to celebrate the history and culture of their country and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. A celebration full of symbols and traditions, starting with the four-leaf clover.
When is St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on the same date, i.e. March 17. In 2026, it therefore falls on a Tuesday. March 17 is also a public holiday in Irelandsince 1903.
What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?
It is to the character of Saint Patrick that the evangelization of Ireland is attributed. Indeed, during a sermon at the Rock of Cashel, he is said to have explained the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish through the use of a shamrock. Hence the fact that the shamrock has become the symbol of Ireland.
Who was Saint Patrick?
Maewyn Succat, better known as Saint Patrick, would have been born in 387 in an English or Scottish village. After spending part of his life introduce the Christian religion to the Irishhe retired to Northern Ireland where he died on March 17, 461. Saint Patrick then became the founder of Christianity in Ireland. In IVth century, after being kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16, he was sold into slavery in Ireland. Saint Patrick then became a shepherd (sheep breeder), then a priest. According to his story, it was by chasing away all the snakes from the country that Saint Patrick managed to convert the Irish people. However, these reptiles symbolize the Celtic polytheistic beliefs of the Irish which prevent them from believing in God. Since then, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated annually by the Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and Church of Ireland (Anglican) churches.
Why is the shamrock the symbol of St. Patrick’s Day?
To explain to the Irish that the Christian God exists in three forms (The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit), Saint Patrick would have used the shamrock. The whole clover represented God and each leaf, one of his forms. Other plants were used to explain the same thing, such as the strawberry leaf.
On St. Patrick’s Day, children can join in the fun. Certainly, beer will not be in the spotlight like at the adults’ table, but why not color clovers, or make a Leprechaun hat ? Here are some activity ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with children:
What are the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day?
- Every year, the Irish people put a shamrock in their buttonhole to remember the religious teaching of Saint Patrick.
- Many Irish people also wear this day a Leprechaun hat (small creature born from Irish folklore, dressed in green and a shoemaker’s apron) and/or green clothing (color attributed to Ireland).
- Music, dance and beer Irish traditions accompany this festive day.
- St. Patrick’s Day is also an opportunity for the Irish to celebrate the arrival of spring.
- In many cities in Ireland, but also in the United States, this holiday is celebrated with Saint Patrick’s Day Paradea spectacular parade of floats and street performers.
From a religious holiday, Saint-Patrick’s Day has become a civil holiday, a symbol of recognition of all Irish people around the world. St. Patrick’s Day always takes place during Lent and it is traditional to break the fast during this day.
