|
March 17
 
Click on pictures below to view or email
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
st.
patrick's day
Ireland, United States
|
i s t o r y
|
St. Patrick, patron saint of
Ireland, whose missionary work in that country lasted for thirty years,
during the course of which St. Patrick consecrated 350 bishops,
converted no fewer than 135,000 Irish citizens, not to mention traveled
extensively and made his Christian name so well known that places named
after him exist throughout Europe to this day. Born Maewyn Succat in
Roman Britain in 387 C.E., the event most significant in turning him
towards Christianity was his capture by Celtic raiders at the age of
sixteen and the years he spent enslaved by them in Ireland. During his
enslavement, he learned the local customs, language, in addition to the
rituals and symbols of the Celtic Druids, a form of pagan worship the
majority of whose followers Patrick would ultimately convert to
Catholicism. This knowledge proved useful when Patrick returned to
Ireland around 432 C.E. as the Apostle ordained by the Roman Catholic
Church to bring the light and redemption of Christianity to the
unenlightened locals. The people were extremely responsive to Patrick
and what he preached, something that was only abetted by the fact that
Patrick was able to Christianize the symbols of Celtic culture and
religion to further reinforce his teachings. According to legend, it was
Patrick who drove out the snakes from Ireland, as the reptiles really do
not inhabit the island, but in light of the symbolism of the serpent in
the story of Adam and Eve, this can be taken to mean that he rid Ireland
of pagan worship, not snakes in general. Another of Patrick's most
celebrated accomplishments is the introduction of alcohol to Ireland,
which has had a profound and long-lasting effect on that culture.
|
r a d i t i o n s
|
The most prominent symbol
associated with St. Patrick's Day is the shamrock, a variety of clover.
Patrick himself adopted the shamrock, a plant held sacred by the Celtic
Druids, to signify the Holy Trinity and demonstrate it for the
unconverted Irish. In Ireland, where St. Patrick's Day is a national
holiday and most citizens are off work, the day is observed with church
worship, community gatherings, and family meals. The St. Patrick's Day
Parade in Dublin is only a recent occurrence, however common that public
display of enthusiasm for the celebration has been made in American
cities. While St. Patrick's Day in Ireland is a more solemn event, the
festive tone of the celebration in the United States can be historically
traced to the days when Irish immigrants were discriminated against and
persecuted, and the occasion is used as a public display of pride in
Irish culture and roots. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place
on the streets of New York City on March 17, 1762 and largely consisted
of the Irish soldiers serving in the British military. Along with grand
parades that are held in most major cities in the United States, St.
Patrick's Day is commemorated with the wearing of green, which
symbolizes the rejuvenation of spring as well as Irish roots, and the
consumption of green beer and an evening of active bar-hopping.
see
some great cards to send for this holiday |
|
