St. Patrick's Day is one of the main holidays in Ireland , which has now become known throughout the world and is celebrated in many of its corners, associated with the traditions and symbols of this country.
St Patrick's Day Story
Historical data on the deeds of this saint and especially on the early years of his life are not so many, but it is known that by birth St. Patrick was not a native Irishman. According to some reports, he was a native of Roman Britain. In Ireland, Patrick was at the age of sixteen, when he was abducted by pirates and sold into slavery. Here the future saint stayed for six years. It was during this period that Patrick believed in God and even received from him a message with instructions to go to the shore and sit on the ship waiting there.
After the man left Ireland, he devoted his life to the service of God and accepted the order. In 432 AD he returned to Ireland already in the rank of bishop, although according to legends, the reason for this was not an order from the church, but an angel who appeared to Patrick and ordered to go to this country and begin to convert the Gentiles to Christianity. Returning to Ireland, Patrick began to mass baptize the people, as well as build churches throughout the country. According to various sources, during his ministry, from 300 to 600 churches were erected by his order, and the number of Irish converting to him reached 120,000.
Where did St. Patrick's Day originate?
St. Patrick died on March 17, but the exact year, as well as the place of his burial remained unknown. It was on this day in Ireland that they began to honor the saint as the patron of the country, and it was this date that became known throughout the world as St. Patrick's Day. Now St. Patrick's Day is official in Ireland, Northern Ireland, in the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as on the island of Montserrat. In addition, he is widely celebrated in countries such as the United States, Britain , Argentina, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. St. Patrick's Day has become widely known around the world and in many cities and countries festive parades and parties dedicated to this day are held.
Symbolism of St. Patrick's Day
The celebration of St. Patrick's Day is largely due to the use of a variety of objects associated with this date. So, it became a tradition to put on clothes of all shades of green, as well as decorate houses and streets with the same color (although earlier St. Patrick's Day was associated with blue color). In the American city of Chicago in green color even the water of the river.
The symbol of St. Patrick's Day was the clover-shamrock, as well as the national flag of Ireland and the Leprechauns - fairy-tale creatures that look like little men and have the ability to fulfill any desire.
Traditions of St. Patrick's Day
On this day it is customary to have a lot of fun and make fun, walk the streets, arrange festive processions. The traditional for St. Patrick's Day is the parade.
During the entertainment events, there are general national dances - caylis, in which anyone can participate. On this day many national groups and musicians organize concerts, and just play on the streets or in pubs, cheering all passers-by and guests of the institution.
In addition to festive events, Christians on this day attend traditional church services. The church in honor of the day of this saint softens some of the prohibitions that are imposed for the period of fasting.