By Janet Small, Staff Writer
Saint Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland, but his feast day, which is on the 17th of March each year, is celebrated across the world, and especially here in America.
Irish heritage is strong across parts of America, particularly in New York, Boston, Pennsylvania and Chicago. Tens of thousands of Irish natives arrived in America during the 1700s, and millions more came during the 1800s. In America over 34.7 million people claimed Irish heritage, according to the 2010 census.
So what is the history behind St. Patrick’s Day? Many people know the basic reason why people dedicate a day to celebrate him – he brought Christianity to Ireland, teaching it with one of the most famous symbols associated with Ireland, the three-leafed clover. Other people know the legends, such as when he chased all of the snakes out of Ireland, for which the Irish are eternally grateful. But many don’t know the full history.
Saint Patrick was not born in Ireland; he was actually born in England into a wealthy family. His father was a deacon, but it is said that Saint Patrick was not particularly religious himself. When he was 16 years old he was kidnapped by Irish raiders, and sold as a slave to work as a shepherd on Mount Slemish, in County Antrim in Ireland.
He was said to have found his faith during his time in captivity. After working outside mostly alone he became a devout Christian. After six years, he said that he heard a voice, which he believed to be God, telling him that it was time to leave Ireland. He walked 200 miles to reach the coast, from where he managed to get passage on a boat back to England.
Saint Patrick then experienced a second vision, telling him to return to Ireland to help bring Christianity to the Irish pagans. Despite the fact that Saint Patrick disliked Ireland, he soon started his training to become ordained as a priest. 15 years later when he became ordained, he returned to Ireland. Because he was familiar with Irish culture and language, he taught religion in a way that the people could relate to. He taught the holy trinity using the clover, explaining that just like a clover, God is made up of three parts – the father, the son and the Holy Ghost. He superimposed the sun, an important Irish symbol, with the cross, creating the Celtic cross as it is still seen today.
Saint Patrick’s Day, or St. Paddy’s Day as it is known, is celebrated through huge parades, traditional Irish sports such as Gaelic and by going to bars and pubs and listening to traditional Irish Folk music. In many places in America, they even go as far to dye the river green. The masses of people celebrating can be easily distinguished by their green clothes, shamrocks and leprechaun hats, paying homage to all of the Irish stereotypes.
For students staying in the surrounding area over spring break, Ybor City hosta its annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade. They also are dyed the Tampa Bay River green during the Mayor River O’Green celebration on March 15. There was also a three day Paddy Fest being held in Hyde Park from March 15 to 17 with Leprechaun fancy dress competitions, music and entertainment, and food and drinks.
