Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day: 5 Traditions That Unite the World
Celebrated every year on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day is the national day of Ireland and a holiday that commemorates the patron saint of the country, but over the years, it’s spread its roots far beyond the border of the Emerald Isle.
No matter if you’ve got Irish heritage or not, this holiday is all about embracing joy, tradition, and, of course, a ton of green. St. Paddy’s Day creates a sense of belonging and friendship, and it’s incredible how a day that began in Ireland to honor the country’s patron saint has grown into a global festivity filled with parades, feasts, music, and fun.
If you’ve ever wondered how this holiday is celebrated in its mainland, but also in other countries all across the globe, here are 5 traditions that highlight the universal spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
Attending Parades
Everybody loves parades, and on St. Patrick’s Day, they’re nothing short of legendary. On March 17th, the whole Emerald Isle turns green, with folk music, dances, and people of all ages dressed up in the national color.
However, the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade actually takes place more than 3,000 miles away from the mainland, in New York City, where over two million people line the streets of the Big Apple each year to celebrate the patron saint and the Irish culture.
Cities like Sydney, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and many others have embraced the tradition as well, so don’t be surprised to see big pipers marching down 5th Avenue or Irish dancers taking over Japanese streets.
Dressing Up in Green
It’s practically a rule to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, and although you’ll definitely see plenty of people in elaborate ensembles that took a lot of time to be put together, don’t feel pressured to go overboard with a leprechaun costume or an over-the-top shamrock suit.
A simple touch of green will do the trick just as well, and it doesn’t have to get more complicated than an Irish sweater with a subtle shamrock or a green cable-knit Aran jumper. If you plan on attending a parade, you need to be prepared to walk a lot, and with an authentic St. Patrick’s Day sweater such as these, you’ll stay comfortable and still show your St. Paddy’s pride without being too much.
Drowning the Shamrock
The shamrock is one of the most important national symbols of Ireland, and according to tradition, it was used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity while spreading Christianity to the Irish. However, apart from wearing it as an accessory or a motif on your clothes, there’s another interesting tradition associated with this three-leaved grass.
It’s called “Drown the Shamrock” and it usually happens at the end of St. Patrick’s Day: you dunk the shamrock into a glass of whiskey, say a toast to the saint, drink the whiskey, and toss the plant over the left shoulder. Drowning the shamrock might not be the most well-known St. Patrick’s Day tradition, but it’s definitely worth giving a try when in Ireland.
Enjoying Festive Meals
A good meal always brings people together, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. On this day, corned beef and cabbage are the dish that should be on any table without exception, but did you know that it’s not necessarily an Irish tradition?
Until the early 1900s, it was Irish bacon that was served, and later on, the Irish Americans in New York replaced it with corned beef, which was a more affordable option. Either way, it’s a hearty and comforting meal, and that’s exactly what brings the whole family together on this special day.
Learning About Irish Culture and History
Great food, green costumes, and fun parades are an important part of the celebration, but St. Patrick’s Day is also an important time to learn more about the rich history, culture, and traditions of Ireland. There are lots of cultural events held every year on March 17th, including art exhibits, storytelling sessions, and language workshops that are meant to bring awareness and keep the country’s deep cultural roots alive.
Such events are held not only in foreign countries, but in Ireland as well, and kids especially love to learn more about Irish mythology, the life of St. Patrick, and his contribution to the history of Ireland.
