According to Wikipedia, the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran Church, and by all types of revelers across the globe. [Officially], the day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, traditional Gaelic social gatherings which usually involve playing Gaelic folk music and dancing,and [of course] the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
You’ve heard of the ‘Luck of the Irish’? Most sources say this phrase may have multiple meanings. Some suggest the Irish are inherently lucky and seem to be able to land on their feet in bad circumstances. Others say it comes from Irish immigrants looking for gold in the western US where there were many Irish who got lucky and found their “pot o’ gold” in the gold and silver mines.
Still, there are others who believe that luck is simply not the right word here – especially if it means good luck. A more apt term might be fortune, which can be either good or bad. Certainly, Irish history attests to plenty of times of ill fortune.
Regardless, St. Patrick’s day can be cause for honoring our Irish friends, our own heritage, and those across the pond. Have fun!
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