A Short History of St. Patrick's Day

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

A stone church illuminated in green against a twilight sky. The building features tall spires and intricate architectural details, surrounded by dark trees and distant mountains.

Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well. The countdown to March 17 continues this week with a short history of St. Patrick's Day.

In less than a week, many of us will be donning our favorite St. Patrick's Day Irish Sweater and joining in the many parades and festivities taking place around the world. So where did it all begin.....?

A Short History of St. Patrick's Day

Who Was St. Patrick?

Stained glass panel featuring the words "SAINT PATRICK" in bold red letters. The background includes vibrant green and purple sections, with an image of a foot wearing brown shoes. Decorative motifs and textures enhance the overall design. — © Tourism Ireland - Ireland's Content Pool

So first things first-St. Patrick wasn't actually Irish! He was born in Roman Britain and some claim he is Welsh, others that he was Scottish.

While it is not possible to pinpoint the exact year of his birth, he was born circa 386 A.D. He was the son of Calphurnius, a deacon. His grandfather, Pontius, was also a clergyman.

A scenic view of a grassy landscape with a small stream flowing through the foreground. In the background, a prominent hill rises against a clear blue sky. Sunshine illuminates the open fields, creating a peaceful atmosphere. — © Tourism Ireland - Ireland's Content Pool

When he was 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to the Tyrone area in the north of Ireland near Slemish mountain (pictured above).

He spent six years here as a slave. While working under these harsh conditions as a shepherd, he found his faith.

He managed to escape back to his homeland but his call to to spread his Christian faith among the Irish brought him back to Ireland. After entering the priesthood in France he returned to Ireland to begin his life as a christian missionary.

Why March 17th?

Ok so we all know it's March 17, but why? Well this is the date of St. Patrick's death. It is believed he died on this day 461 AD giving birth to St. Patrick’s Day!

His remains were brought to the Hill of Down, the site of this beautiful cathedral in county Down.

A scenic view of a stone church with tall spires, surrounded by vibrant green grass and yellow wildflowers. Blue skies with fluffy white clouds are visible in the background. — © Tourism Ireland - Ireland's Content Pool

It was a Franciscan friar named Luke Wadding (1588-1657) who was responsible for St. Patrick's Day becoming an annual feast day. This scholar and historian from Waterford tirelessly campaigned for St Patrick's Day to become a holy day of obligation.

When Was The First St. Patrick's Day Parade?

A young girl wearing a colorful jester hat with green, white, and orange spikes smiles at the camera. She has shamrock face paint on her cheeks. Behind her, a crowd can be seen celebrating, with individuals wearing various festive hats. The scene captures the joyful atmosphere of a public celebration.

So the first St. Patrick's Day parade didn't actually take place in Ireland! It was the Irish diaspora in the US who first started St. Patrick's Day parades. The first official parade took place in New York in 1766!

In Ireland the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in Waterford in 1903 while Dublin had its first parade in 1931. Today, Dublin hosts its very own 5 day long St. Patrick's Day festival with in the region of half a million people descending on the city for the parade on March 17.

There’s also the danger of being pinched by a leprechaun! The tale goes that wearing green makes you invisible to these mischievous creatures and keeps you safe from their pinching.

The tradition of pinching people who are not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day originated in the U.S. It still continues this day!

St. Patrick's Day Gifts

1. Women's Heritage Aran Hooded Zipper Coat

Available Here

This beautifully crafted Aran zipper coat features a wealth of authentic Aran stitches including the lucky honeycomb stitch as well as a heart shaped accent stitch inspired by Ireland's iconic symbol of love and friendship, the Claddagh.

2. Belleek I've Got Irish Roots Mug

Available Here

Next up we have a charming mug from the renowned Belleek. Embossed with the classic Belleek basketweave design and decorated with hand painted shamrocks. Treat someone to the perfect Irish keepsake.

3. Men's Classic V-Neck One Button Aran Sweater

Available Here

Whether it’s for your Dad, son, brother or husband, this is the perfect Irish gift. Sure to become his (or your!) favorite sweater for many seasons to come!

4. Claddagh Cat's Eye Jewelry Set

Available Here

Ireland's enduring symbol of love, friendship & loyalty gets an exciting makeover in this matching pendant and earrings jewelry set. The beautifully crafted Claddagh twists around an eye-catching emerald-green cat's eye stone.

5. Women's Traditional Fisherman Irish Wool Sweater

A woman standing outdoors wearing an Irish fisherman sweater made in Ireland with a round neckline, long sleeves, and casual fit.

Available Here

My last pick is this gorgeous wool sweater in a stunning shade of green. The pure wool yarn is flecked, taking inspiration from Irish tweeds and it features a rolled neck, cuffs, and hem.

Happy Shopping!

Take care,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!