What happened to the genuine St. Patrick? Was there any truth to the snake legend? And why did so many St. Patrick's Day customs originate in America? While St. Patrick's Day is now synonymous with wearing green, parades, and beer, the event has a rich history dating back more than 1,500 years.
The first documented celebrations took place in the 17th century on March 17, celebrating the anniversary of St. Patrick's death in the 5th century. Learn more about the holiday's history and how it came to be the celebration that it is today. Here are some intriguing St. Patrick's Day facts.
1. The Real St. Patrick Was Born In Britain
As much as we know about St. Patrick's life has been influenced by tradition and legend. Historians generally assume that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born near the end of the fourth century in Britain (rather than Ireland).
He was kidnapped by Irish raiders at the age of 16 and sold as an enslaved person to a Celtic priest in Northern Ireland. He escaped to Britain after working as a shepherd for six years. As a Christian missionary, he eventually returned to Ireland.
2. Initially, The Color Of St. Patrick's Day Was Blue
Wearing green has become a St. Patrick's Day tradition; however, the event was initially connected with the color blue. The transition to green is thought to have occurred as a result of Ireland's nickname The Emerald Isle, the green in the Irish flag, and the shamrock, or clover.
Since the 17th century, green ribbons and shamrocks have been worn. From kids wholesale clothing store USA, you may select any color for your child, from green to blue.
3. The Shamrock – A Sacred Plant
For generations, the shamrock, a three-leaf clover, has been connected with Ireland. The Celts referred to it as "seamroy," and it was revered as a sacred plant that heralded the approach of spring. St. Patrick, history has it, used the plant as a visual aid when explaining the Holy Trinity. The shamrock had become a symbol of growing Irish nationalism by the 17th century.
On St. Patrick's Day, many now wear shirts with Shamrock prints; you may get one for your child from wholesale baby clothes USA.
4. On St. Patrick's Day, There's So Much Beer
On St. Patrick's Day, beer is one of the most popular beverages. While the Irish drink Guinness remains a popular St. Patrick's Day beverage, a troubling trend is the use of green beer, which has been coloured with food coloring.
Some studies have connected food coloring to cancer and headaches, according to nutrition expert Keri Glassman, founder and president of nutrition practice based in New York City, but revellers would have to drink a lot of extra dye than the beers contain to cause health problems.
5. Celtic Fairies Probably inspire leprechauns
St. Patrick's Day is typically linked with the red-haired, green-clothed Leprechaun. There will be plenty of leprechauns about. People love to dress up on St. Patrick's Day. A leprechaun is one of the most popular costumes. Leprechauns are mythological fairy creatures.
It is supposed that they have a pot of gold hidden someplace, and if you capture a leprechaun, he must tell you where it is. If you wish to wear a leprechaun costume, look into women's wholesale boutique clothing.
Final Words
Green parades, green food, and green rivers are now a part of the picture. Green clothing is worn by everyone, and it is considered modest clothing for women, men, and children. Regardless, it's safe to conclude that St. Patrick's Day will always be a happy celebration.