More Than a Parade and Green Beer

Corned beef and cabbage, green beer, a parade in Dogotown/St.Louis, are all very commonly distinguished forms of celebration on St. Patrick's Day. Americans seem to cling on any holiday that gives us a reason to party. Although it may seem quite boring and irrelevant, there is a history behind the shamrock holiday.

March 17 marks the date for St. Patrick's Day, also referenced to as St. Paddy's. It is manifested as a feast day in honor of the most notorious of patron saints, St. Patrick, who passed away on March 17, 461 A.D. Until 1903, St. Patrick's Day was only observed as a religious holiday. The wearing of green and references to clovers and shamrocks began around the 19^th century, only to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish religion.

Beginning in the mid 1990's, the government in Ireland wanted to begin showcasing the culture of its country by having festivals and parades. The first parade was held on March 17, 1996. It began as a 3 day event in 1997, and then progressed to a 5 day event by 2006. There is more of a strong emphasis on projecting an Irish feeling instead of a religious observance.

Today, we pull the Irish descent from our souls, even if we have no trace of Irish blood in our bodies, and let loose. Wearing green is very popular and if someone is caught not wearing the color, the will be pinched. Chicago even dyes its rive green, and has done so since 1961. The biggest celebrations are held in Dublin, Ireland. Locally we can travel down highway 40 into Dogtown and watch the parade and then travel to some of the Irish bars in Soulard.

This year is especially significant for SCC students because St. Patrick's Day falls on the Wednesday of our spring break, and many parades will take place the Saturday before, along with the Cardinals in Jupiter, Florida for their annual Spring Training. Whether you are baking in the sun, or keeping it local, have fun and be safe this year!