Saint Patrick’s Day
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/11474503/How-to-have-a-non-cliched-St.-Patricks-Day.html
You may have seen teachers dressed up in green clothing and costumes sometime around March for the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. Saint Patrick’s Day, also often referred as the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March particularly remembering Saint Patrick. Even though Saint Patrick is the patron saint and the national apostle of Ireland, the holiday’s popularity is global with parades and revelry in his name ensuing worldwide.
History records that Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Gaelic Island. It is said that he spent six years at the Island as a shepherd and during the time he “found God.” The tradition states that God told Patrick to flee to the coast where a ship will be waiting to take him home. After returning to Ireland Patrick went on becoming a priest and converted the pagan Irish to Christianity, spending many years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland. Today Patrick is seen as the ultimate model for Celtic Christians. Ultimately, his life and ministry serve as a pointer to the life and ministry of Christ himself.
Celebrations of Saint Patrick’s Day generally involve public parades and festivals, also including céilithe (Irish traditional music sessions) and formal gatherings such as banquets and dances. The wearing of green attire or shamrock is also customary, and it is said that Saint Patrick have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. Christians also attend church services and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking are lifted for the day, and due to this the drinking of alcohol – particularly Irish whiskey, beer or cider – has become an integral part of the celebrations. In addition the Saint Patrick’s Day custom of ‘drowning the shamrock’ was historically popular in Ireland. The shamrock is put into the bottom of a cup, which is then filled with whiskey, beer or cider. It is then drunk as a toast to St Patrick, to Ireland, or to those present. The shamrock would either be swallowed with the drink, or be taken out and tossed over the shoulder for good luck.
Overall, Saint Patrick’s Day is an event where we are not only able to enjoy dressing up in green colors but also have a deep exploration into its religious significance. Hope you enjoyed the celebration, and remember to get your greens ready for the next year’s Saint Patrick’s Day!