Saint Patrick's Day
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY
INTRODUCTION
The Irish culture has been significatly shaped by Christianity which arrived in Ireland in 5th century A.D. with the preachings of Saint Patrick.
The Saint is said to have travelled all over the country spreading the word of Christ. It was at the hill of Tara, a mound in country Meath (considered the religious capital of Eire in ancient times) where he picked a three-leaf clover or shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. He made such an impression on the crowds that ever since the shamrock has been synonymous with Eire.
One of the myths surrounding St. Patrick is that he is said to have banished all snakes from the Emerald Isle and to this day you will not find a snake anywhere except in zoos.
“In Dublin’s fair city...” a parade takes place with floats, Irish dancers, bands and even groups from as far afield as America and Australia take part. Because of the tradition of emigration in Ireland this day has also a special meaning in cities in America such as Boston or New York. Rivers are coloured green and green Guinness flows freely. The event is considered one of the most important in New York’s calendar .
It is a festivity enjoyed by all, some wear shamrock on their lapels and the whole country goes to mass dressed in green.
It is customary among Irish people all over the world to send one another cards with wishes of a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
HISTORY
St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.
Patrick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. There are differing views about the exact year and place of his birth. According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. His real name was probably
INTRODUCTION
The Irish culture has been significatly shaped by Christianity which arrived in Ireland in 5th century A.D. with the preachings of Saint Patrick.
The Saint is said to have travelled all over the country spreading the word of Christ. It was at the hill of Tara, a mound in country Meath (considered the religious capital of Eire in ancient times) where he picked a three-leaf clover or shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. He made such an impression on the crowds that ever since the shamrock has been synonymous with Eire.
One of the myths surrounding St. Patrick is that he is said to have banished all snakes from the Emerald Isle and to this day you will not find a snake anywhere except in zoos.
“In Dublin’s fair city...” a parade takes place with floats, Irish dancers, bands and even groups from as far afield as America and Australia take part. Because of the tradition of emigration in Ireland this day has also a special meaning in cities in America such as Boston or New York. Rivers are coloured green and green Guinness flows freely. The event is considered one of the most important in New York’s calendar .
It is a festivity enjoyed by all, some wear shamrock on their lapels and the whole country goes to mass dressed in green.
It is customary among Irish people all over the world to send one another cards with wishes of a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
HISTORY
St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish. But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century.
Patrick was born in the later half of the 4th century AD. There are differing views about the exact year and place of his birth. According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. His real name was probably