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Saint Patrick is one of the most important figures in Irish history. He was born in 317 in Dumbarton, Scotland. His parents were Romans. They were living in Britain and were in charge of Roman colonies there. When he was sixteen (some claim that he was fourteen) he was captured and he converted to Christianity. He wrote: ‘The Love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rose, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountains, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain”. Then he arrived at Slane in Ireland (on the 25th March 433) to convert people. He encouraged people to build churches and to believe in God. Kings with their families and whole kingdoms converted to Christianity. Saint Patrick used many different methods of conversion. He openly preached God’s word among Picts and the Irish. He also lived in solidarity with the Irish people. The became the patron of Ireland before the 8th century. The 17th of March is Saint Patrick’s day and is believed to be the day when this saint died. He was never formally cannoned by a Pope.
There are many legends connected to Saint Patrick. It is said that he banished snakes from Ireland. The truth is that there were not many snakes on the island anyway because of its climate. It is also believed that Saint Patrick used shamrock, a three leaving clover to explain the idea of the Trinity to simple people. The idea of three divine person combined in one God was easier to explain by using shamrock.
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many countries but it is the most grand in Ireland which is not specially surprising. It is a religious day in Ireland, similar to Easter or Christmas. People go to mass and pray for the Saint and missionaries. There are also annual Saint Patrick’s Day parades, community feasts, charity shows. People drink green bear – a real treat for tourist from all corners of the world. There is even a saying: ‘Everyone wants to be Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day’. Everything is green on this day – decoration, outfits, food. It is a great opportunity to learn something about Irish culture and history. In Dublin the parades on Saint Patrick’s Day starts a festival which lasts for 5 days. Many Irish wear a bunch of shamrock which is connected to the legend about Saint Patrick. Many Irish people wear green, orange and white clothes because these are the colors of Irish flag. Others wear green decorations in their hair. Artist draw shamrock on people’s cheeks. It is a happy holiday, very energetic and fascinating.
Grant celebrations take also part in the United Kingdom. The largest parade is organized in Birmingham. The route is two miles long. It is said to be the third biggest parade in the world after Dublin and New York. What is more, there is an Irish Festival organized in Manchester. At this time there is an Irish market in the middle of the city. You can try some Irish food and learn about tradition and Saint Patrick.
It may sound surprising but Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated even in Japan! It is organized every year by the Irish Network Japan. It all started in 1992. The first event was supported by Irish Ambassador to Japan, Mr. James Sharkey. Many important personalities take part in celebrations. Over 2000 people walk down Omotesando Avenue where many Irish pubs are situated. On this day you can see Japanese flags as well as the Irish ones.
There were many Irish people among the first immigrants who came to America. The first celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day took place in 1737 in Boston. The biggest celebration takes place in New York. People celebrate by wearing green clothes. According to tradition, if you see someone not wearing green clothes on Saint Patrick’s Day, you should pinch him or her. Moreover, baseball teams also wear green uniforms to celebrate this day. It all started in 1990 when a famous team, Red Sox, wore special hats. Many people eat special ‘green’ food (green cherries in coconut sauce, avocadoes, sliced green apples, cabbage). In New York more than 150 000 people take part in the parade. The procession contains bands, firefighters, military, emigrant societies).
In Argentina people celebrate by organizing parades, especially in Buenos Aires where the atmosphere is really crazy. Parties last till morning and almost everyone drinks Irish beer. Several Celtic clubs are situated on Reconquista Street so you can meet many Irish fans there.
If you are interested in Irish culture, you can always celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in your own house, for example by eating green food. My favorite green dish is ‘Green salad’. It is made from lettuce, cucumber, snow peas, avocadoes, sprouts. You need to take peel off avocadoes and cut them as well as other ingredients. Then add some salad dressing and the salad is ready. It tastes great and it is healthy too.
If cooking is not your thing, you can always make green decorations. Sometimes people prepare shamrock pin which you can keep on your clothes. You need a green ribbon and some cardboard paper to make it. In Ireland you can buy ready-made decoration. Unfortunately, Saint Patrick’s Day is not well-known in Poland. But we can celebrate it. It is a fascinating and inspiring holiday worth knowing.
There is one thing which should be mentioned – Irish toasts. Saint Patrick’s Day is often connected with drinking beer and toasts are necessary. One of them goes like this:
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck and happiness
For today and everyday.
There are many legends connected to Saint Patrick. It is said that he banished snakes from Ireland. The truth is that there were not many snakes on the island anyway because of its climate. It is also believed that Saint Patrick used shamrock, a three leaving clover to explain the idea of the Trinity to simple people. The idea of three divine person combined in one God was easier to explain by using shamrock.
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many countries but it is the most grand in Ireland which is not specially surprising. It is a religious day in Ireland, similar to Easter or Christmas. People go to mass and pray for the Saint and missionaries. There are also annual Saint Patrick’s Day parades, community feasts, charity shows. People drink green bear – a real treat for tourist from all corners of the world. There is even a saying: ‘Everyone wants to be Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day’. Everything is green on this day – decoration, outfits, food. It is a great opportunity to learn something about Irish culture and history. In Dublin the parades on Saint Patrick’s Day starts a festival which lasts for 5 days. Many Irish wear a bunch of shamrock which is connected to the legend about Saint Patrick. Many Irish people wear green, orange and white clothes because these are the colors of Irish flag. Others wear green decorations in their hair. Artist draw shamrock on people’s cheeks. It is a happy holiday, very energetic and fascinating.
Grant celebrations take also part in the United Kingdom. The largest parade is organized in Birmingham. The route is two miles long. It is said to be the third biggest parade in the world after Dublin and New York. What is more, there is an Irish Festival organized in Manchester. At this time there is an Irish market in the middle of the city. You can try some Irish food and learn about tradition and Saint Patrick.
It may sound surprising but Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated even in Japan! It is organized every year by the Irish Network Japan. It all started in 1992. The first event was supported by Irish Ambassador to Japan, Mr. James Sharkey. Many important personalities take part in celebrations. Over 2000 people walk down Omotesando Avenue where many Irish pubs are situated. On this day you can see Japanese flags as well as the Irish ones.
There were many Irish people among the first immigrants who came to America. The first celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day took place in 1737 in Boston. The biggest celebration takes place in New York. People celebrate by wearing green clothes. According to tradition, if you see someone not wearing green clothes on Saint Patrick’s Day, you should pinch him or her. Moreover, baseball teams also wear green uniforms to celebrate this day. It all started in 1990 when a famous team, Red Sox, wore special hats. Many people eat special ‘green’ food (green cherries in coconut sauce, avocadoes, sliced green apples, cabbage). In New York more than 150 000 people take part in the parade. The procession contains bands, firefighters, military, emigrant societies).
In Argentina people celebrate by organizing parades, especially in Buenos Aires where the atmosphere is really crazy. Parties last till morning and almost everyone drinks Irish beer. Several Celtic clubs are situated on Reconquista Street so you can meet many Irish fans there.
If you are interested in Irish culture, you can always celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in your own house, for example by eating green food. My favorite green dish is ‘Green salad’. It is made from lettuce, cucumber, snow peas, avocadoes, sprouts. You need to take peel off avocadoes and cut them as well as other ingredients. Then add some salad dressing and the salad is ready. It tastes great and it is healthy too.
If cooking is not your thing, you can always make green decorations. Sometimes people prepare shamrock pin which you can keep on your clothes. You need a green ribbon and some cardboard paper to make it. In Ireland you can buy ready-made decoration. Unfortunately, Saint Patrick’s Day is not well-known in Poland. But we can celebrate it. It is a fascinating and inspiring holiday worth knowing.
There is one thing which should be mentioned – Irish toasts. Saint Patrick’s Day is often connected with drinking beer and toasts are necessary. One of them goes like this:
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck and happiness
For today and everyday.