January 15th, 2009
St. Patrick’s Day History
A peek at the history of St.Patrick’s Day celebrations.
As the Irish or Irish loving people gear up for a fun St. Patrick’s
Day, we look back a little at the history of the day. St. Patrick’s Day
has been a celebration for thousands of years but its origins are far
different than we celebrate today. St. Patrick’s Day is actually a
religious holiday and anniversary of the death of St. Patrick. Until
fairly recent times, pubs were ordered closed on this important and
sacred day.
We celebrate here in the states with parades and occasionally too
much imbibing in all things alcoholic regardless of heritage. In some
ways, perhaps, celebrating Irish heritage and all that passed before us
is actually a very good thing. Everything in moderation is the key, I
suppose.
There are many who remember grandparents telling the tales passed
down from generations before about the Irish famine and the immigration
to the United States. Those in the states were not generally open armed
or open hearted to their incoming peers. Life in the United States for
the most of the newly immigrated Irish was difficult at best. Religious
differences, educational differences and poverty from all they had
endured prior to the journey and on arrival did nothing to help these
immigrants. They were portrayed in a derogatory fashion by newspapers
and books. Signs hung on doorways advertising jobs that stated “Irish
need not apply”.
The ability to persevere through difficult times helped these
Irish people. As time passed, strength and confidence was gained. The
ability to work hard to succeed proved itself. Eventually, the Irish
population had government counterparts and respect and support grew. In
a show of strong pride for their heritage, parades popped up around the
country. And if there are parades and people, politicians are sure to
follow. This was welcome since they had shed many prejudices and
stereotypes to reach this point and these government representatives
helped them on their journey.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is a day for celebrating the strength and
perseverance of the early Irish and to show pride in that heritage.
Day, we look back a little at the history of the day. St. Patrick’s Day
has been a celebration for thousands of years but its origins are far
different than we celebrate today. St. Patrick’s Day is actually a
religious holiday and anniversary of the death of St. Patrick. Until
fairly recent times, pubs were ordered closed on this important and
sacred day.
We celebrate here in the states with parades and occasionally too
much imbibing in all things alcoholic regardless of heritage. In some
ways, perhaps, celebrating Irish heritage and all that passed before us
is actually a very good thing. Everything in moderation is the key, I
suppose.
There are many who remember grandparents telling the tales passed
down from generations before about the Irish famine and the immigration
to the United States. Those in the states were not generally open armed
or open hearted to their incoming peers. Life in the United States for
the most of the newly immigrated Irish was difficult at best. Religious
differences, educational differences and poverty from all they had
endured prior to the journey and on arrival did nothing to help these
immigrants. They were portrayed in a derogatory fashion by newspapers
and books. Signs hung on doorways advertising jobs that stated “Irish
need not apply”.
The ability to persevere through difficult times helped these
Irish people. As time passed, strength and confidence was gained. The
ability to work hard to succeed proved itself. Eventually, the Irish
population had government counterparts and respect and support grew. In
a show of strong pride for their heritage, parades popped up around the
country. And if there are parades and people, politicians are sure to
follow. This was welcome since they had shed many prejudices and
stereotypes to reach this point and these government representatives
helped them on their journey.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is a day for celebrating the strength and
perseverance of the early Irish and to show pride in that heritage.
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