Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day

March 17 is celebrated as St. Patrick’s Day. However, the historical reason for this holiday are often overlooked.

According to History.com, Saint Patrick was born in the fifth century and was a Patron Saint and National Apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. Saint Patrick escaped his regime only to later return, being credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Saint Patrick’s death is believed to be on March 17, 461.

March 17 was seen as the Roman Catholic Feast Day for many years. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in the United States on March 17, 1762. Irish soldiers that participated in the U.S. Military were allowed to celebrate their heritage by marching through New York accompanied with Irish folk music.

Many people associate St. Patrick’s Day with shamrocks, corn beef and cabbage, and a green beer.

The shamrock was originally used to symbolize the Holy Trinity, or the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Until the 1970s, pubs were required to be closed on St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland due to its religious affiliation.

Many students on campus with Irish decent have their own way of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

“My family is Irish, but we don’t really celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the traditional way because the original meaning has become tarnished as more people chose to capitalize on the holiday,” Sophomore Kayleigh Hartley said. “No one really follows the true meaning anymore.”

Teresa Kriley, who was born on St. Patrick’s Day, knows the true meaning of the day is overshadowed by an intense amount of commercializing.

“I will drink one green beer as a traditional celebration, attend parades, and I always indulge in a Shamrock Shake from McDonalds. However, I do not eat corn beef and cabbage,” Kriley said. “When I was younger everyone would always joke with me and ask if I thought the parades and festivities were for me, but I knew it was for St. Patrick.”

Some even create their own traditions to associate with the green holiday.

“The one thing I associate with St. Patrick’s Day is pistachio cake,” Freshman Taylor Slavens said. “My mom always makes a green pistachio cake for the family on every St. Patrick’s Day.”

“My best friend Raeann and I always go four-leaf clover hunting for St. Patrick’s Day,” senior Randi Marolf said. “She is always able to find one, but I have never been that lucky.”