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~ Saint Patrick's Day History
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For many in United States, Saint Patrick’s Day is a holiday
that receives little more attention than an occasional pinch and regret over not having
worn green clothing. While small children in schools may be taken to search for
Leprechauns, and sporadic signs of shamrock decorations may be found, the day tends to
pass largely unnoticed. This is not to say that the holiday is not worthy of attention
and grand celebration, but perhaps there are too few people who understand the Saint
Patrick’s Day or where it came from to celebrate the day properly.
Saint Patrick’s Day is to honor a man who put resentment aside
to forgive people who deprived him of freedom; and beyond that, to offer them service of
his own free will. The degree of selflessness exhibited by Saint Patrick to those who
persecuted him, is a standing example of a quality of goodwill that others should seek to
achieve. Above all, the strength of Saint Patrick’s character is the most
overlooked aspect of day meant to honor his life.
Significant Dates
As with many people in Saint Patrick’s time, his date of birth has been difficult
to establish. In published texts the year of his birth has been placed as early as 385
A.D. to 415 A.D. His death however, is commonly believed to have occurred on March 17,
461 A.D. Because there is not sufficient evidence of his date of birth, his holiday is
celebrated on the date of his death.
Birthplace
Although Saint Patrick is remembered for his service to Ireland, he was not born an
Irishman. It is believed that he was born in Scotland, England, or Wales. His last name
from birth was Succat. His first name from birth is commonly seen in published works as
Maewyn. Thus, if the sources of each name are reliable he would have been known in
childhood as “Maewyn Succat.”
Abduction and Slavery
At the age of 16, Maewyn was captured by Irish bandits who brought him by sea back to
Ireland. Although his childhood was nearing its end, it can reasonably be concluded that
this abduction would have been traumatic for such a young man. Maewyn was sold into
slavery to serve as a herdsman.
Escape
During his time in captivity, Maewyn developed a closeness to God and a desire to serve
in a religious capcity. After 6 years of slavery, Patrick successfully escaped from his
captors and arranged passage by ship to Gaul (current day France).
Religious Study
While in Gaul, Maewyn made his interest in the ministry known to the Roman Catholic
Church. After many years of study, he was made a Priest in the church and took on the
name of Patrick. During the course of his religious study, he had a dream in which he saw
the people of Ireland as though they were reaching out for his help. Patrick interpreted
the dream as a call for his return to Ireland to minister to the people. This must have
been a source of conflict for Patrick to return to a people who had kidnapped him and
sold him into the bonds of slavery. Patrick committed himself to the cause, however, and
achieved a level of forgiveness and compassion sufficient to return to Ireland.
Return to Ireland
Patrick returned to Ireland to preach Christianity to a people of pagan practices. His
efforts were fruitful and he converted many to the “new” religion. He
expanded the church in Ireland until its influence reached across the nation. Although he
faced some adversity by druids and others of devout Pagan worship, his efforts to spread
Christianity were largely successful in Ireland.
Forgiveness and Service
Despite the traumatic experiences of his youth that deprived him of his freedom, Patrick
was able to forgive the Irish and to serve them by his own free will. Such strength of
character and willingness to forgive is arguably rare and certainly deserving of
recognition. These generally accepted facts stand as the basis for honoring Patrick and
the charity he exhibited to the people he served.
Legends of Saint Patrick
Stories based on more on legends than facts were responsible for much of Saint
Patrick’s notoriety throughout history. Whether or not the legends are true,
Patrick’s character is certainly reason enough to honor his work. For completeness,
however, the legends of St. Patrick will be included as follows:
The first legend of Saint Patrick alleges that he used the power of
god to eliminate all snakes from Ireland. It is true that there are no snakes in Ireland,
but according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, there never have been any
snakes in Ireland (1). The reason that there are no snakes in Ireland is apparently due
to its isolated geographical location. To create such a legend is similar to saying that
someone cast all of the kangaroos out of the United States.
Another legend purports that Saint Patrick used three-leafed
shamrocks in his teachings to represent the trinity (the father, son, and holy spirit).
This legend is certainly more feasible and believable, but there has been no concrete
evidence to prove it either. The shamrock may actually have gained its popularity by the
teachings of Saint Patrick, but without proof the story remains only a legend.
Traditions and Myths
Other traditions are associated with Saint Patrick’s Day, but they have nothing to
do with Saint Patrick. The first of these is the myth of the Leprechaun. The Leprechaun
is the Irish version of a male fairy ( a grumpy and solitary fairy at that). It is
unclear how Leprechauns became associated with the holiday. but everybody (kids
especially) search for them on Saint Patrick’s Day. According to legend, these
grumpy old Leprechauns are tiny little men who each have their own pots of gold, which
they keep hidden in secret places. Apparently anyone who can catch a Leprechaun can make
him reveal where his pot of gold is located. Perhaps this is why children often make
boxes designed to trap Leprechauns. Never take your eye off of a Leprechaun if you see
one. According to legend, the little guys are very quick and will vanish if you loose
sight of them for a second.
Another Saint Patrick’s Day tradition that has little to do
with Saint Patrick is wearing green clothing. Among the best explanations for why this
tradition takes place is that it reflects the lush green landscape of Ireland. Green has
come to symbolize both Ireland and Saint Patrick’s Day. It is wise to search the
closet for something green to wear on Saint Patrick’s Day. Those who don’t
are frequently subjected to being pinched throughout the day by those wearing green.
Other traditions have come to include drinking green beverages,
singing boisterous songs, and watching parades. In Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day has
been given additional consideration in recent years. Since 1995, a celebration known as
the St. Patrick’s Day Festival has taken place that includes parades, music, and
fireworks.
Saint Patrick's Day in the United States
In the United States, Irish immigrants and descendants have observed Saint
Patrick’s Day traditions for many years. The holiday was first celebrated in
America in 1737. The first Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the United States took
place in New York City in 1762. Wearing green and searching for Leprechauns is typical of
Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in America. In general, the traditions observed in
the United States are enjoyable and entertaining, but they have little to do with Saint
Patrick.
The following is a poem that combines facts about Saint Patrick with
the legends and traditions that are celebrated today:
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Saint Patrick’s Legacy
By Wes Fessler
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It’s strange the way Saint Patrick’s Day has changed
throughout the years,
still to this day the fame of good Saint Patrick still appears.
The day is still remembered almost everywhere you go,
but much about this holiday most people do not know.
The most important thing these days, is just to wear some green,
so you won’t end up being pinched by someone who is mean.
Sometimes it’s told to children when they look out on the lawn,
that they may see a shamrock, or perhaps a leprechaun.
But Patrick was a man who had adventure in his life,
when just a boy some bandits came and took him with a knife.
They carried him away, off to the Irish Countryside,
and sentenced him to slavery until the day he died!
Saint Patrick was too clever, and he made a great escape,
he ran away to France and life began to take its shape.
Patrick soon became a Priest, and crazy as it seems,
he went right back to Ireland, because of funny dreams.
A legend says that even though Saint Patrick had tough breaks,
When he arrived in Ireland, he scared away the snakes!
Saint Patrick started churches, and the people loved him too.
He did his best for everyone until his life was through.
Although Saint Patrick’s history has almost gone away,
the legends that he left for us are surely here to stay.
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Saint Patrick’s Day is a fun day for parents and children
alike. The unique Irish traditions that are celebrated today bring light-hearted moments
of mischievous amusement. It is a day that should also serve to honor the man it was
named after. Saint Patrick’s forgiving and charitable contributions will always
serve as an example to mankind.
- Article by Wes Fessler
Sources:
1. Locantore, Jill, “Why Ireland Has No
Snakes”
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/NewsEvents/irelandsnakes.cfm
[Accessed 17 July 2007]
2. theholidayspot.com, “History of Shamrock”
http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/shamrock.htm [Accessed 17 July 2007]
3. inspiringteachers.com, “St. Patrick – The Patron
Saint of Ireland”
http://www.inspiringteachers.com/inspirations/st_patrick/index.html
[Accessed 17 July 2007]
4. Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, “Patrick,
Saint”
Volume 20, P. 193, ISBN 0-8343-0051-6
5. Osborne, Michelle, “Brief History of St.
Patrick’s Day”
http://www.stpatricksdayparty.net/history.shtml [Accessed 17 July 2007]
6. holidayspot.com, “History of St. Patrick’s
Day”
http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/historyofpatrick.htm [Accessed 17 July
2007]
7. americancatholic.org, “St. Patrick”
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOf Day/default.asp?id=1325
[Accessed 17 July 2007]
8. st-patricks-day.com, “About Saint Patrick”
http://www.st-patricks-day.com/about_saintpatrick.asp [Accessed 17 July 2007]
9. en.wikipedia.org, “Saint Patrick’s
Day”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Patrick’s_Day [Accessed 17 July 2007]
10. “Saint Patrick’s Day,” Microsoft®
Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
11. Cinneide, Niall, “St. Patrick’s Day
Traditions”
http://ezinearticles.com/?St.-Patrick’s -Day-Traditions&id=150892
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