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Celebrating St. Patrick's Day
Filed under: Holidays
The Chicago River is dyed green each St. Patrick's Day. Credit: Flipped Out, Flickr
What is St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day typically falls during the Christian season of Lent, according to History.com, and on this day Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate the Irish saint's feast day and the anniversary of his death, which occurred in the fifth century. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and legend tells that he banished all the snakes from that country. Lenten traditions prohibiting the consumption of meat were lifted on this day and people would drink, dance and eat a traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
When is St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, the anniversary of the Irish saint's death. It is also his feast day on the Christian religious calendar.
Who celebrates St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day was originally celebrated by the Irish, but a great influx of Irish immigrants to the United States during that country's Great Potato Famine of 1845 brought the tradition to America. In fact, the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in the U.S., when Irish soldiers serving in this country marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Major cities like New York, Boston and Chicago have large Irish-American populations and hold large parades and celebrations that day. Chicago even dyes the Chicago River green!
What are some St. Patrick's Day traditions?
Modern St. Patrick's Day traditions are much like those that were celebrated hundreds of years ago. A traditional St. Patrick's Day meal in the United States is corned beef and cabbage, and many cities celebrate with parades. Other traditions include wearing green clothing to declare your allegiance to Ireland and eating Irish soda bread.
Where can I learn more about St. Patrick's Day?
History.com has an extensive section about St. Patrick's Day.
Related: St. Patrick's Day Recipes
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