St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, on the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick. The Irish have observed this as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. As this holiday falls within the Christian holiday of lent, prohibitions on consumption of meat were waived so people could dance, drink, and feast!

Sanit Patrick, who lived during the 5th century, is the patron saint of Ireland. He was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He later escaped, but returned and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. The most well know legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish Clover, the shamrock.

During the Potato Famine in 1845, many Irish immigrants began pouring into America to escape starvation. When Irish Americans took to the streets on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate, they were caricatured in newspapers as drunk, violent monkeys. With growing numbers, the Irish Americans started building political power in America and started St. Patrick’s day parades and became must attend events to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice.

Today, people of all backgrounds celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Even though celebrating of St. Patrick’s Day is very different today from where it started it is a fun day of celebrating Irish Heritage in North America.

You can celebrate St. Patrick’s day by enjoying a green (alcoholic) beverage, sharing a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage, or listening to Irish Music. You might even see a leprechaun!

What events are happening around Cochrane for Saint Patrick’s Day?

Joke of the Week

Q: Why should you never iron a four-leaf clover?
A: You don’t want to press your luck!

How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?