St. Patrick's Day: When is it celebrated and why? Know all about the history of this special day

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated for non-Irish and Irish Americans in a similar manner. It serves as an opportunity to visit an Irish pub, drink a Guinness, or even color a renowned river green.

It is considered a national holiday in Ireland with its events and festivals commonly kicking off the tourist season. Till about 40 years ago, St. Paddy's celebrations were considered religious and ceremonious. Bars were closed on that day and it was the American celebrations that created the St. Patrick's Day that we know of today.

St. Patrick's Day: When is it?

St. Patrick's Day, which is the feast day of the patron saint in Ireland, is on March 17 every year. This year March 17 falls on a Sunday.

Saint Patrick: Who was he?

Saint Patrick was not an Irish – he was born in Britain towards the fourth century's end where the Irish raiders took him as a prisoner when he was of the age of 16 years. He has spent around six years in imprisonment in Ireland as per the History Channel where he ultimately became a pious Christian.

As per the writing of Patrick, he had the belief that the voice of God communicated with him through a dream and gave an indication to him about leaving Ireland and he eluded. Afterwards, he wrote that in another dream, an angel asked him to make a return to Ireland as a missionary and thus he became a clergyman post a study of 15 years.

While it was believed that St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, according to the History Channel, his goal was to be a minister for the Irish Christians who were existing as well as lead to a conversion of the non-Christians.

He has become an important figure in Ireland partially as he has chosen to inculcate conventional Irish ritual and culture into his practice, similar to the amalgamation of the sun which is the existing Irish symbol with the traditional cross for creating the prominent Celtic cross.

FAQs:

What is St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day, which is the feast day of the patron saint in Ireland, is on March 17 every year. This year March 17 falls on a Sunday and is a national holiday. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated for non-Irish and Irish Americans in a similar manner. It serves as an opportunity to visit an Irish pub, drink a Guinness, or even color a renowned river green.

Who was Saint Patrick?
Saint Patrick was born in Britain towards the fourth century's end where the Irish raiders took him as a prisoner when he was of the age of 16 years. He has spent around six years in imprisonment in Ireland as per the History Channel where he ultimately became a pious Christian.