The general rule is, wear green and enjoy the day with friends in a bar, but what are the origins of this feast?
St Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
St Patrick’s Day became an official Christian feast day almost 400 years ago and is observed by a number of churches, especially in Ireland.
The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Ireland.
Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe (a traditional Gaelic social gathering), and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
On St Patrick’s Day, Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday’s tradition of going out for a drink.
