Hi. I hope everyone is doing well. After a month's break, I would like to share about "Saint Patrick’s Day." I came to know about this day while watching a series called "Not Dead Yet" which is streaming on Hotstar every Thursday. Do watch it; the series was quite good and watchable.
WHO IS SAINT PATRICK?
Patrick was a person who lived in the 5th century. He was a patron saint of Ireland and also a national apostle (a person who supports the belief system of Jesus resurrection). Patrick was born on March 17th, around 385 BC, in Scotland. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa.
They lived as Romans in Britain and were also in charge of the colonies (controlled by the British king) they lived in. Though his father was a deacon (a person who wants to serve and help people who are hurting) and his grandfather, a priest, Patrick was not very devoted to this culture. Patrick's original name was Maewyn Succat.
SLAVERY??
When Patrick was 16 years old, he was kidnapped from Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave by Irish pirates. He survived his slavery period for almost six years. During that period, he worked as a shepherd. His belief and faith in Christianity started growing gradually; he spent most of his hours praying and devoted fully to Christianity. This information was justified by the self-written confession shared by St. Patrick.
After six years of slavery, Patrick heard a voice telling him that his ship was ready to take him home, and he was asked to walk around 200 miles. On his journey he happened to reach a port, and by convincing the captain of the ship, he was able to board the ship.
TRAVELLING...!
To study Christianity, he traveled across Europe, which took him to France. In France, he spent most of his time in Auxerre, Tours, and the Lerins Islands. He spent almost 15 years completing his studies regarding Christianity. After that, he returned to Ireland by adopting the name Patrick (derived from the Latin word patricius, meaning "Father figure").
ACTUAL INTENTION…!
Patrick's actual visit to Ireland was not only to spread Christianity but also to preach about it and make most of the Irish people (non-believers) trust and believe it. Patrick was clever enough to follow traditional methods (rituals) to bring pagans (people who believe in nature) and Christian people together. He used to celebrate Easter by using bonfires and also created the Celtic Cross (which represents knowledge, strength, and compassion, which helps to manage the ups and downs in life). He also performed baptism and converted the sons of kings and wealthy people into Christianity in those times by preaching. He was also involved in converting women into nuns. He was believed to be the first bishop (spiritual supervisor) of Armagh (the capital of Ireland).
SUPERSTITIOUS!
People who lived back in the 7th century AD believed that Patrick helped them drive snakes away from the country (Ireland) and move them into the sea. This was done because people started facing life-threatening attacks from snakes. But some studies say there were no snakes in the first place, and also resist believing this information. In Ireland, the only reptile seen is a lizard.
SHAMROCK!
Patrick used shamrock (a plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors based on the climate) as a part of his teachings to represent the Holy Trinity (God exists in three divine persons equally: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). But this saying was still left unclear, and the shamrock also represents the regenerative power of nature (it helps to heal from being damaged).
From the 18th century onwards, Patrick was often seen with shamrocks, so people started celebrating Patrick’s Day by pining shamrocks to their clothes.
COLOR??
Initially, Patrick's Day was connected with blue because he has the habit of wearing blue robes (azure blue). After the revolution, to gain independence from English crown, the habit of using blue shamrocks on Patrick's Day was changed. So that people started to use a green shamrock to pin them to their clothes. But azure blue remains the heraldic color of Ireland (emblem).
CELEBRATED!
St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in America, as most of the Irish people migrated and settled there. These people started recognizing and celebrating the day, which helped them reunite with their people (the Irish community). The first St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in 1737 in Boston, Massachusetts. As per the study, it was first celebrated in Florida, Spain, in early 1601. Around 1762, the day was celebrated on a larger scale in New York. Irish people celebrate St. Patrick's Day as a source of pride.
DRY HOLIDAY!
In ancient times (most of the 20th century), during St. Patrick's Day, all the pubs needed to be shut down. Around the 1970s, this rule was overruled, and all the people were drawn to pubs to celebrate the day.
BURIED??
The actual burial place of Patrick was not known, as several sites fought for it. Down Cathedral is the commonly accepted location (where other saints in Ireland were buried).
OTHER FACTS OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
In 1962, for the first time, Chicago marked the river green to honor the Patrick Day celebration.
The most popular drink consumed during the celebration is Guinness (less alcohol and a typical drought drink).
In the U.S., there are around 34.7 million residents with Irish ancestors. This is seven times less than the Irish population in Ireland.
It is not easy to find four-leafed clover. The probability falls under 1 out of 1000. Each leaf represents hope, faith, love, and lucks.
Patrick's Day is considered a national holiday where all businesses, stores, and banks will have a day off.
During the celebration, people are invited to attend and enjoy the parade of Irish people. As per the study, the shortest parade was performed between two small village pubs.
Drinking green beer is also common during the celebration.
Hope this blog gives idea about Patrick’s day and reason behind them. Happy reading!
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