St. Patrick's Day History

By: Hannah Moon

Did you know that the huge celebration of St. Patrick’s day was created by Americans? Most people do not realize that, but there is real Irish history behind it. All the way back in the 4th century there was a 16-year-old boy who was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. His name was Maewyn Succat, who was born to very religious Christian parents in Roman Britain. Maewyn escaped from slavery, but eventually returned around 432 CE, so that he could attempt to convert the Irish into Christians. Maewyn used things such as a shamrock to explain the holy trinity. He became known as St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and when he passed away on March 17, 461, he had made a huge difference in the country. He established churches, monasteries, and even schools. The Irish decided that his death needed to be celebrated with religious services and feasts because without him, they never would have experienced Christianity. Emigrants that came to visit Ireland, specifically Americans, decided that St. Patrick’s day should be more largely celebrated. They did not celebrate the actual point of St. Patrick’s Day, they decided to celebrate all things “Irish.” The U.S. held its first parade in Boston for St. Patrick’s day in 1737, then the next parade was held in New York in 1762. Since 1962 Chicago has dyed its river green to celebrate the holiday, even though blue was the color that was traditionally associated with St. Patrick’s day, over the years it just changed to green. St Patrick’s Day was supposed to be a religious holiday, but because of Americans it is more commonly celebrated by drinking and parties.

Students at Collinsville said they typically just know the holiday as a day to wear green to avoid being pinched. Some others mentioned that they felt it was a day of luck. Several high school students discussed the “Catch A Leprechaun” project they completed in elementary school. Some students can remember getting to go outside and hunt four leaf clovers with their classmates. While there are not many students that understand the real meaning of St. Patrick's Day, they have cherished memories of the holidays created by the awesome teachers at Collinsville High. 

“St. Patrick’s Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 15 Mar. 2025, 

www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day.