St. Patrick’s Day is annually celebrated on March 17, the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. 

     People celebrate this day because it commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It also celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations usually include public parades and festivals, céilithe (a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering), and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.

     Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. He was born in Roman Britain. He was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He escaped but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.

     For the last 60 years, Chicagoans have dyed The Chicago River a shade of green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The Union of Chicago uses about 40 pounds of vegetable-based powder dyes that are more environmentally friendly and turn the river green for just a few days.

     HAHS is encourgaing students to wear green on St. Patricks day to get in the spirit! If you get pinched on St. Patrick’s Day for not wearing green it’s because green makes you invisible to leprechauns.

     According to rd.com, the main color of St. Patrick’s Day is green for many reasons. Some of the main reasons are that Ireland’s nickname is The Emerald Isle and there is a green stripe in the Irish flag. “The green represents the Catholics of Ireland, the orange represents the Protestant population, and the white in the middle symbolizes the peace between the two religions.”

     According to lifestyleasia.com, “St. Partick found his faith while a group of Irish raiders held him prisoner. Saint Patrick escaped the shackles of subjugation, only to return to Ireland in 432 CE with the aim to propagate Christianity amongst the Irish people.” 

     Gabriella Valentino states “St. Patrick’s Day is important because we are celebrating the Irish and their culture.”