At STOP Restoration, we are excited to celebrate one of history’s lesser-known holidays, Saint Patrick’s Day. This holiday arrives every year on March 17th in the form of green clothes, parades, and feasts for dinner worldwide, but have you ever asked yourself why we celebrate? The holiday itself received its name from Saint Patrick of Britain who was kidnapped and brought to Ireland at the age of 16 in the fifth century. After escaping, he was the first to introduce Christianity as a religion to Ireland and became the country’s national apostle. His death, which occurred on March 17th, is the famed date in which we celebrate annually for his contributions to Irish history and Christianity within the country.
His most famous memory that lives on through symbolism and color is that of the green shamrock. It is said that he explained to the people of Ireland the Holy Trinity within Christianity through the shamrock shape. Now, we wear green and shamrock apparel in celebration of this holiday. Many people also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish meals, such as corned beef and cabbage. Although this tradition falls during Lent, another Christian practice, all prohibitions to meat are to be waived in celebration!
Although at its birth, St. Patrick’s Day was mainly celebrated in Europe, it has become a major holiday here in the United States. Cities such as New York and San Francisco received many Irish immigrants over the past few centuries and because of this, St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the most celebrated occasions! Some cities go all out in honor of the holiday, like Chicago who is famous for dying their river green annually! No matter where you live, the celebration of St. Patrick is bound to be a part of your community and the team at STOP Restoration is wishing you and your family a very happy St. Patrick’s Day!
