Kiss me, I’m Irish!

St Patrick’s day: shamrocks, green clothing, and parties. This holiday is known for its good times and laid-back atmosphere, but what is the history behind it?

Saint Patrick was a patron saint in Ireland during the fifteenth century. After being born in Britain, he was abducted and brought to Ireland as a slave. He later escaped slavery and left Ireland, but returned to bring the Catholic faith to his people. Today he is attributed for spreading the Catholic faith to Ireland.  

Although the holiday is rooted in religious history, St. Patrick’s day is known for its parties. According to Erin Finnerty, a junior with Irish heritage, “Many people celebrate at pubs and I’ll wear green for sure”. However, other activities like traditional music and dancing are celebrated.

Americans–Irish or not–also commemorate St. Patrick’s day by spending their day at Irish pubs, and while these pubs are open all year round the performances on St. Patrick’s day are not. Many of these pubs feature Irish dance performances. Irish dance is a traditional art form in Ireland that features curly wigs and costumes. These dancers can be seen all around during St Patrick’s day in both America and Ireland. 

Irish dancer Dakota Curtiss says  “we [Irish Dancers] dance in parades and in Irish bars because there are often a lot of people there”.

These Parades are a large part of St Patrick’s day. Irish and Non-Irish people alike enjoy watching them celebrate and have a good time. Many people don’t come out on St Patrick’s day to learn about Irish culture but through watching the dancers, celebrating at pubs, and maybe even eating Irish food people get a glimpse into Ireland for a day. 

“You should at least wear green,” senior Burke Mooney says. “Don’t get pinched!”