Top o’ the morning to you!
Just in case you missed the memo, today is the day to enjoy all food dyed green, some corn beef and cabbage, and a nice big Guinness. While I’m not Irish, I can’t help but feel the need to put on a little green and hope that I find a shamrock when I’m out in the yard. There is just something about the holidays that makes me want to go all out. But do you know why we celebrate this holiday the way we do or the importance behind that little green 4-leaf clover in the yard?
It wasn’t until the Irish started immigrating to the US that the holiday picked up popularity. The celebration was a way for the Irish to keep close to their roots when they got here. Revolutionary War soldiers were actually the first ones to hold a St. Patrick’s Day parade, in 1762! These celebrations were found in areas such as Boston where the Irish population was highly concentrated. Depending on the city in which you live, you might see the celebration a little differently. Boston has one of the biggest of all the parties, and many veterans take part! Are you a fan of The Office? Well, Scranton, Pennsylvania is more than just the home of Dunder Mifflin! They also are one of the oldest locations to host the parade; the first was in 1862. Even today the towns known for their Irish roots host some of the biggest and best celebrations. Heck, Chicago dyes it’s river green to honor St. Patrick!
Since this is traditionally a religion holiday, why is drinking one of the main events? Well, many Irish-Americans come from a Catholic background and may be fasting alcohol during the season of Lent until Easter. But, the “fast” rule here is that St. Patrick’s day is the one day during the season that they are allowed to break their fast. So, this is certainly taken to heart…green beer and all!
