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What to do on St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is more than just commemorating the patron saint of Ireland. It's a manifestation of Irish patriotism and a cheerful way to welcome the arrival of spring and bid farewell to the gloominess of winter. The festivities, ranging from green decorations to food to traditional Irish dancing, are rich in diversity and have been celebrated for centuries. However, one thing remains constant: they are all incredibly enjoyable.

Overview on St. Patrick’s Day

History

Patrick, originally named Maewyn, was born in Roman Britain and was later taken as a slave to Ireland. He managed to escape and sought refuge in a monastery in Gaul, where he converted to Christianity. In 432, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, despite Christianity already having a foothold in the country. Legend has it that he challenged the Druids at Tara and banned their pagan rituals, thus promoting the spread of Christianity.

After becoming a bishop, Patrick was later recognized as Ireland's patron saint following his death. However, celebrations in Ireland were initially modest. It was not until Irish emigrants arrived in the United States that larger parades and festivities began to take place. These celebrations were initiated by Irish soldiers who had fought in the Revolutionary War in the 18th century, as a means of connecting with their heritage and celebrating their roots.

Symbols

Shamrocks, which are also called clovers, are small plants that typically grow in Ireland. Although they usually have three leaves, the four-leaf clover is believed to bring great luck. Perhaps you'll come across one of these rare clovers on St. Patrick's Day!

Besides, leprechauns are a mythical species believed to be small in size and not very sociable. Despite this, they remain popular because of their association with pots of gold, which people aspire to obtain. According to legend, if you follow a rainbow to its end, you may discover the fabled Leprechaun's treasure.

Moreover, the color green is widely recognized as a prominent symbol of St. Patrick's Day. This is because green is associated with Ireland, making it an ideal color to represent this Irish holiday. According to popular belief, those who do not wear green on this occasion may receive a pinch. To avoid any potential pinching, it's advisable to don something green on March 17th.

What do people do on St. Patrick’s Day?

Although St. Patrick's Day has its origins in Ireland, it has become a widely celebrated holiday in America thanks to Irish immigrants who brought the tradition with them. Whether you're of Irish descent or not, there are many ways to partake in the festivities, including attending city-wide parades, pub crawls, or other events. Even if you don't live in an area with major St. Patrick's Day celebrations, there are still plenty of ways to observe the holiday with loved ones by participating in time-honored traditions, enjoying traditional foods, and engaging in fun activities. Regardless of your plans on March 17th, there are many opportunities to celebrate the holiday's true significance and have a memorable time.

Cook themed food

One fun way to mark St. Patrick's Day is by preparing themed foods that are both delicious and entertaining. Depending on your cooking skills and interests, there are various types of food you can make. For a simpler option, consider adding green food coloring to your regular recipes, such as icing or oatmeal, to give them a festive touch without requiring much effort. If you love to cook and want to explore traditional Irish cuisine, consider making dishes like stew or Irish Soda Bread, which are tasty ways to honor the occasion.

Eating corned beef and cabbage

Although it may come as a surprise, the tradition of consuming corned beef and cabbage is more commonly observed by Irish Americans than by those living in Ireland. In the past, Irish bacon, which is a type of cured pork, was the preferred meat for St. Patrick's Day. However, in the early 1900s, Irish Americans in New York City started eating corned beef instead as it was more economical. The popularity of cabbage also grew due to its affordability and widespread availability.

Wear green

It's customary to wear green clothing on March 17, so be sure to incorporate at least one green accessory into your outfit. Whether you're looking to avoid being pinched or simply want an excuse to wear those green pleather pants, consider embracing this colorful tradition. For some St. Patrick's Day outfit ideas, check out our suggestions on how to put together cute green ensembles for the holiday.

In the United States, wearing green clothes on St. Patrick's Day became popular during parades and celebrations in the 1800s. Irish-Americans adopted this symbol to pay homage to their heritage, and the tradition has endured throughout the years.

Search for four-leaf clovers

These rare green plants have long been considered a symbol of good fortune in Celtic culture, and finding one can feel like discovering a needle in a haystack. If the grassy areas around you have turned green, it's worth taking the time to search for one of these lucky charms.

Alternatively, you could turn the search into a fun adventure for your kids and friends. They'll have a great time scouring through fields of clovers in search of the elusive four-leaf variety, while also enjoying some fresh air and exercise. You can even make it an educational experience by teaching them about the history of four-leaf clovers and why they are believed to bring good luck.

Have a sip of Guinness

St. Patrick's Day calls for the iconic Irish dry stout - a thick, flavorful beverage that should not be missed. Guinness has long been regarded as the quintessential St. Patrick's Day drink, and even if you're not typically a fan of stouts, it's worth giving a pint a try. You might discover that the velvety, delectable beer is actually your new go-to. Alternatively, you can explore the culinary side of Guinness by experimenting with recipes that feature this beloved brew, such as beef and Guinness pies or chocolate stout Whoopie pies.

Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in many major cities with grand parades featuring colorful floats, lively bands, and impressive costumes. To add to the festive spirit, many attendees dress up in their own St. Patrick's Day attire. If you want to be more involved, you can even consider joining the parade by finding out if any of your affiliated groups or organizations participate and volunteering to assist them.

Along with that,  you totally can enjoy the iconic river dyeing ceremony. This will be the biggest spectacle and attracts the largest crowds. So embrace the luck of the Irish and prepare for a party with our guide to celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Chicago.

Make some St. Patrick’s Day crafts and cards

If you have kids around on this occasion, you can involve them in the festivities by creating some crafts related to the theme. You can work together on making leprechauns, rainbows, clovers, and other creative ideas to adorn your home. Even if you're only having adult company, you can still add some holiday spirit by making and decorating your place with suitable crafts to fully embrace the celebration.

Not only that, cards can be a simple yet effective way to bring joy to someone's day, even on occasions where card-giving isn't typical. Consider creating some St. Patrick's Day cards to distribute to your grandparents, fellow churchgoers, or children at a nearby hospital, and you'll undoubtedly bring smiles to many faces come March 17th. You can go to Worksheetzone.org to search for printable St.Patrick's Day coloring cards or relevant materials to have the best preparation for the day!

Get ready to sham-rock and roll! With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, you're probably getting ready for a day of festivities, fun, and, of course, a pint or two of Guinness. Whether you have Irish heritage or simply like to dress up in green and honor the patron saint of Ireland, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to celebrate on March 17th.

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