Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day History

The Observance of Saint Patrick is a religious and cultural commemoration dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. It honours Saint Patrick's spiritual contribution and his work in spreading Christianity among Irish pagans during the fifth century. The day is not only a symbol of spirituality, but also embodies Irish heritage and culture.

Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in Roman Britain in the late fourth century and was kidnapped at the age of sixteen by Irish raiders. He spent about six years as a shepherd in Ireland before escaping and rejoined his family in Britain. However, after becoming a cleric, he returned years later to northern and western Ireland as a missionary. His efforts significantly influenced Christianity’s rise in Ireland, establishing monasteries, schools, and churches. He has been widely revered in the United Kingdom, particularly due to connections with Saint Patrick's Day and his role in introducing Christianity to the country's Celtic ancestors.

Many churches, particularly those with a distinct Irish presence, hold special services or masses on the day. Major cities such as Birmingham and London host large Saint Patrick’s Day Parades that reflect the cultural and religious significance of this observance. Some people also choose to wear a shamrock or green clothing as a mark of respect. Saint Patrick's Day is observed annually on the 17th of March.

Top facts about Saint Patrick's Day

• Approximately 5.5 million pints of Irish Guinness stout are consumed on an average day. On St. Patrick's Day, nearly 13 million are consumed.
• Wearing the shamrock, a three-leaf clover is a St. Patrick's Day tradition. The official three-leaf clover is known scientifically as Trifolium dubium however clovers can also have more leaves. Four-leaf clovers are said to be lucky, however the odds of finding one are about 10,000 to 1.
• Patrick is credited for using the three-leafed shamrock as a metaphor to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish.
• At the age of 16, Patrick was abducted by Irish raiders who attacked his family's estate. He was transported to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity, working as a shepherd.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Saint Patrick's Day

Top things to do for Saint Patrick's Day

• Read some classic Irish literature by some of Ireland's most well-known writers, such as James Joyces' Dubliners, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot or Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
• Get your dancing shoes on at a cèilidh (the Gaelic word for a traditional social gathering). You can expect lots of folk dancing, music and drinks to celebrate the holiday.
• Show your festive spirit by dressing in green, the traditional color associated with St. Patrick's Day. Add a touch of Irish flair to your outfit with shamrock accessories, such as pins or badges.
• Many pubs and restaurants create special menus for St. Patrick's Day, offering traditional Irish dishes such as Irish stew, soda bread, colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage), and corned beef and cabbage. Don't forget to toast the occasion with a pint of Guinness or sample some Irish whiskey.