As students, such as sophomore Lygia Mascarenhas, walk down the hallways on St. Patrick’s day, they scan the crowds first for friends and second for the few friends who forgot to wear their green. Once they find them, they give them the customary punishment for the mistake. Mascarenhas explains, “I wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, and pinch people who don’t!”
Although St.Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for an estimated 1000 years, America did not join in the celebration of this holiday until 1762: a mere 248 years ago. The holiday was adopted as a result of soldiers who marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. On that day, the soldiers held a parade in celebration of their beloved saint. Since then, America has embraced the annual holiday alongside Ireland.
Though the holidays are both based upon the celebration of Saint Patrick, our traditions greatly differ from those of its native supporters.
One of the biggest superstitions and traditions of America is wearing the color green on the 17th of March as a symbol of the holiday. In Ireland, however, green does not actually represent the holiday or St. Patrick, who is usually represented by a shade of blue. Americans began wearing the green as a way to represent the vast, green lands that make up Ireland.
Another aspect of the holiday that America has created are the stories about leprechauns and shamrocks, which have collectively become the face of the holiday.
In America, leprechauns are small men believed to lead anyone who catches them to their magical pot of gold, which awaits the catcher at the end of a rainbow. Irish beliefs differ. The Irish beliefs date back to the folklore that can be traced back hundreds of generations. Shamrocks, or three leaf clovers, are the symbol of the Saint, as he used them to illustrate the holy trinity.
Several traditions; however, have remained the same in both countries. These include parades and feasts. Although traditional meals of Ireland include corned beef, lamb stew, and shepherd’s pie, as well as several other customary dishes, junior Jordan Riddle has created her own, unique way to join in the holiday.
Riddle’s celebrations begin as soon as she wakes up. “For breakfast on St.Patrick’s Day,” Riddle said, “I eat green eggs.” Since she is of Irish heritage, she likes to celebrate her ancestry. “I have dinner with family and friends [on St. Patrick’s Day] and we celebrate,” said Riddle.
Whatever your traditions and heritage may be, on Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone can be Irish and participate in the fun. It’s the perfect holiday to bring every religion together.
