St. Patrick’s Day is followed all around the Christian world on the 17th of March. Hence, as it originated from the Republic of Ireland and is followed as a bank holiday in Northern Ireland. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland is a widely known historical figure. Furthermore, is arguably the most famous patron saint of a country. His overwhelming efforts for the religion Christianity are huge in numbers. Especially, during his time in the Republic of Ireland. People from the Christian dominated countries highly regard him and his contributions for the most followed religion of the world.
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DAY:
It is generally known and accepted universally that St. Patrick was born in Northern England or Southern Scotland. On top of this, he was born to a wealthy family around the 385 A.D.
Only at the age of just 16, St. Patrick was taken prisoner after a band of raiders from Ireland has attacked his family’s estate in Wales. Later, he was taken back to Ireland, a place where he spend six years as a slave in captivity. He eventually escaped from slavery to a place in modern day France. A place where he studied for a period of 12 years in the monastery under St. Germain. He became a devout Christian while he worked as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain. He came very close to the Christian religion. In addition to this his relationship to spirituality and Christianity increased to much higher levels. After completion of his training St. Patrick wanted to return to Ireland. Apart from the return, his aim was to convert the native pagans to Christianity. A religion whose prophet is Jesus Christ and Christianity is highly enriched with the teachings of Jesus and the revelations in Bible. After a period of just two years when Palladius was transferred to Scotland. Furthermore, St. Patrick was appointed the second bishop of Ireland.
St. Patrick truly proved himself to be quiet adept at winning converts to Christianity so much so that he upset the local Celtic Druids. St. Patrick was also arrested on plenty of occasions. However, fortunately was able to escape every time. St. Patrick also was able to set up Churches and schools as part of his efforts for the beautiful religion Christianity. All these were foundations for the whole Ireland to convert eventually to Christianity. After a period of thirty years during which his missionary works continued in the whole of Ireland. St Patrick died on 17th March 461 A.D.
OBSERVANCE OF ST. PATRICK DAY IN THE MODERN WORLD:
In today’s modern world St. Patrick’s Day is a highly regarded day for Christians from all parts of the world. It is a day that recognises Irish heritage and is celebrated by people from all backgrounds. But, with something common in them, i.e. Christianity. Celebrated with huge sentiments for the religion in countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Also, celebrated with the same passion in other parts of the Christian world. Including, countries like Italy, Spain, Russia and Singapore.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN CANADA:
The prestigious St. Patrick’s Day is given the status of a public holiday in the province of New Foundland and Labrador. This is according to the list of holidays in 2022. The celebration of the day falls on the 17th of March every year. Hence, while all the businesses, the retail stores and shops. Furthermore, the schools and Universities and all other public education bodies are closed in these provinces only. In the rest of Canada it is just followed as an observance and remembrances of the teachings of Christ. Ironically, while remembering St. Patrick’s, the patron Saint of Ireland.
On this day, public transportation in Canada doesn’t follow their usual routes and it works on reduced hours. Apart from the reduced number of hours in some places on a Sunday timetable. Canada is a predominantly Christian country and St. Patrick’s Day is given the regarded prestige in almost all the provinces & territories of Canada.
SOME MYTHS & FACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ST. PATRICK’S DAY:
There are many myths and facts associated with the St. Patrick’s Day which is a huge celebration in the Christian dominated countries. The colour blue was originally associated with the St. Patrick’s Day, however, its Green which is now favoured as the colour of St. Patrick’s Day. It is indeed the traditional day for the plantation of peas even if its snow, and there are stories associated with this tradition. Apart from the peas being planted Cabbage seeds are also often planted too on the same day while the old-time farmers have a superstitious believe that they need to be grown up well & one needs to plant them while wearing their night time clothing.
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As part of the celebrations and the traditional acts, first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the American colonies was held in New York City on this day in the year 1762.