St Patrick’s Day is an Irish Holiday celebrating the
patron saint, Apostle of Ireland and missionary among the Celtic pagans. St.
Patrick is said to be responsible for chasing all of the snakes out of Ireland. According
to studies, there were probably no snakes on the island in the first
place because it was separated from the continent at the end of the last ice
age. The idea that St. Patrick drove the serpents out of Ireland is symbolic in
reference to putting an end to Pagan practices by introducing Christianity.
He wasn’t the first to bring Christianity to Ireland but
he is credited for abolishing Pagan rites when he encountered the Druids and
converted the warrior chiefs and Princes. He also baptized thousands of followers in Holy
wells.
The date March 17th marks St. Patrick's death in 460
A.D.
You may be wondering how the shamrock became such an
iconic part of St. Patrick’s day. Well, as the story goes, Saint Patrick used
it as a way to explain the holy trinity to the Pagans.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with shamrocks as the iconic symbol.
The colors green and gold are associated with this holiday and symbolize good luck. In
Irish faerie folklore, the Leprechaun is also a popular figure associated with
St. Patrick’s Day. They are described as
devious and smart little creatures and if you catch one you are considered the
luckiest person alive. It is said that every Leprechaun has a pot of gold
buried deep within the Irish countryside and if you catch one the gold is your
prize. But they can bring you more trouble than it is worth.
Irish Immigrants are responsible for bringing St.
Patrick’s Day to the US where it was first publicly celebrated in Boston,
Massachusetts in 1737. In 1756, it was first celebrated in New York City at the
Crown and Thistle Tavern. Today it is widely celebrated in the United States by
both Irish and Non-Irish people and is associated with wearing green, parties,
parades, pub crawls and drinking alcohol… lots of it. In Second Life it is observed with decorations, hunts and
parties.
If you Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, drink responsible, be
safe, have fun and good luck with that hangover!
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