Every year on March 17, many of us dress in green, and many of us drink a whole lot, but why do we do it?
While St. Patrick’s Day has become a convenient excuse for everyone and their mother to get tipsy during the week, there is a meaning and a history behind the holiday.
Let’s start with the dude St. Patrick’s Day is named after: St. Patrick.
It all started with this guy Maewyn Succat, oh, about 1,500 years ago. He had visions inspired by his strong belief in Catholicism, and felt that it was his duty to convert the pagans of Ireland to Catholicism. When Succat took his vows to become a priest he changed his name to Patrick.
Legend has it that Patrick used a shamrock to teach followers about the Holy Trinity and to drive the snakes out of Ireland aka the pagan religions deemed “evil.”
St. Patrick allegedly died March 17, 461.
St. Patrick became a saint and the date of his death was considered a reprieve from the fasting and seriousness of Lent.
Now, many other people, feel that St. Patrick squashed their religions and forced Catholicism on their ancestors.
But either way, it’s Saint Patrick’s Day, so party away!
