St Patrick’s Day: When Myth and Legend Morph Into Commercialism
The stories behind the sea of green
There’s nothing like celebrating the anniversary of a death in style.
There’s no time for somber reflection when a sea of green permeates everything — from shamrocks, leprechauns, all the way to merry cheer and green beer.
Once a religious feast, for a man dressed in blue, St Patrick’s Day is now a celebration of all things Irish.
Maewyn Succat
Born in Britain in the 4th century, Maewyn Succat first stepped on Irish soil as a sixteen-year-old slave.
Six years later, he escaped captivity and returned to Britain. Maewyn trained as a priest until a dream called him back to Ireland. No longer a slave and sporting a new name, Patrick, he was on a mission to save Irish souls. As a missionary, Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagans.
Patrick had some unorthodox tricks up his blue sleeves. He controlled magic fire, transformed himself and a companion into deer, and survived an attack from demon-possessed blackbirds and, of course, his most famous feat — banishing snakes from Ireland.
Where does green fit in?
In the 1600s, Britain banned green in Ireland, attempting to suppress Irish rebellion. The song lyrics to The Wearing of the Green poke fun at a serious situation.
Oh, Paddy dear and did you hear the news that’s goin’ round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground
Saint Patrick’s Day no more we’ll keep his colours can’t be seen
For they’re hangin’ men and women for the wearin’ of the green
Despite the restrictions (and hangings), green ribbons and green pride prospered, with the shamrock weaving itself into the narrative. In the 18th century, the shamrock became more than a religious symbol, it carried the hope of the Irish. Green signified national pride.
Seeing green was the way forward for Ireland; both the blue-robed St Patrick and the rustic-in-red leprechauns jumped on board with the color change.
From a religious feast to a celebration of culture
When St Patrick died, the Irish declared they would hold a feast day each year in his honor. Irish Christians celebrated March 17th with a church service, followed by an evening feast for hundreds of years.
When the Irish migrated to America, they brought their patron saint with them. Boston lays claim to the first St Patrick’s Day parade, holding its first event in 1737.
Since then, like all the best commercial holidays, St Patrick’s Day has morphed into a secular day of celebration, of all things Irish — and green. At the head of the parade, donning his top hat, the leprechaun is front and center of festivities.
Want to know a little more about leprechauns?
