"The early St. Patrick's Day was about building up Irish Americans. It was about showing pride and building St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. It was about establishing the Irish as political power, as cultural power, and this was in the face of a lot of anti-Irish racism" -- Dr. Patrick McDevitt, The Spectrum
In case you forgot, March 17th is Saint Patrick's Day—an Irish holiday celebrating all things stereotypically Irish, like drinking, shamrocks, and green. However, much like other holidays that have been flattened down from celebrations of culture to excuses to day drink, Saint Patricks Day has a rich history and legacy from Ireland and Irish Americans.
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick’s Day is named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick, however, was not born in Ireland but in Britain in the 5th Century. When he was young, he was forced into slavery by Irish raiders before escaping back to Britain. In roughly 432 CE he returned to Ireland to spread Christianity after being given a dream about Ireland. He successfully brought Christianity into Ireland, converting the largely pagan people to it. He would never be formally canonized by the catholic church, but he is still seen by the Irish people as one of their most important religious figures.
Saint Patrick’s Day In Ireland
Compared to America, Ireland’s Saint Patrick’s day is more lowkey—at least before the 20th century. Traditions include the usual, wearing green, drinking, and parades. However, in Ireland, there is much more focus on parades, live sports, and live music. During the day, parades are held across the country, particularly in Dublin and Belfast—the capital of Ireland and North Ireland respectively. In addition, the All Ireland Club Championships is held in Dublin, attracting huge crowds, as well the 6 Nations Rugby Championships, where the Irish fight other parts of the UK.
The Origins of Saint Patrick’s day in America
During the Irish Potato famine and other acts of colonial oppression by Britain, many citizens in Ireland emigrated to America, forming large immigrant diaspora communities. Unfortunately, before the later half of the 20th century, the Irish were seen as a second class group. As immigrants and other oppressed groups often do, they held various celebrations and holiday from their culture, and Saint Patrick's Day was one of them. The first few Saint Patrick’s Day parades were held in Boston and New York in the late 18th century, but it wasn’t until 1851 that multiple Irish groups united to form one larger, official Saint Patrick’s day parade in New York. Through organization and activism, the Irish would eventually become integrated into American culture, and Saint Patrick’s day would become a national celebration of Irish heritage and culture.
So there you have it. Saint Patrick’s day isn’t just a celebration of Ireland, but also the Irish immigrants who would eventually become part of America’s National Culture. I hoped this article helped you learn a little more about the importance of Irish Immigrants in America, and I hope you all have a great Saint Patrick's Day!
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