Another St. Patrick’s Day is here and past! But who was he, and why is he still so celebrated? Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is known for several legends that surround his life, the most popular being that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. However, few know the true story behind this Irish mythic figure.
Who?
Patrick grew up in the church in Glasgow around the 5th century in a practicing Christian family. However, during his teenage years, he denied Christ because of his love for earthly pleasures. But when Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery, he turned back to his Christian roots.
"I was 16 years old and knew not the true God and was carried away captive; but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and although late I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God," Patrick wrote.
After this event, he was rescued from his misfortunes and returned home with a new heart to spread the gospel. However, his influence has lived on beyond his life, with many traditions that honor the legacy of St. Patrick.
Wearing Green
Interestingly enough, if Patrick were here today, he would probably not understand why people wear green in his honor, as most artistic depictions and accounts of him show him in a blue robe. The green that is sported by holiday enthusiasts all around the world is representative of the Roman Catholic majority in Ireland at the time of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Wearing Orange
Around the same time that green was adopted as a St. Patrick’s Day icon color, Protestants rebelled by sporting the color orange. This was in reference to the great William of Orange, who conquered the English monarch King James II in 1688 in what is called the “Glorious Revolution." This event was a key, rare point in history where a Protestant became the ruler of England, Ireland and Scotland.
The Shamrock
It is almost impossible to go anywhere on March 17 without seeing a three-leaf clover. Some say it brings good luck, while others say it explains complicated theological doctrines, but it is really a symbol of Irish pride. In the 16th Century, England was increasingly assimilating Ireland into its territory, language and religious practices. Consequently, Irish folk adopted the symbol of the shamrock to display their Irish nationalism as a sign of rebellion.
The Leprechaun
The Leprechauns, despite having their own holiday, are associated with St. Patrick’s Day because of their ties to Ireland’s Celtic roots. Leprechauns are mythological fairies that originally were called “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow.” They are said to be makers of shoes and brogues, which is a specific type of stitching pattern in leather shoes. Legend suggests that the sound of the Leprechaun’s cobbling hammer is a sign of his presence and that his treasure resides with him.
Now you know a bit of the long-lasting tradition of honoring the patron saint of Ireland. Have a happy St. Patrick's Day!
Photo by Hope Brittenham
