St. Patricks Day!

Did you know that St. Patrick wasn't even Irish? According to: www.gpb.org/education/origins-of-st-patricks-day, Patrick wasn't even Irish. He was born in Roman Britain and kidnapped into slavery. He was then brought to Ireland. Anyway, he escaped and moved to a Monastery in France and went back to Ireland as a missionary years later. The same source says that:" He became a bishop after he died and was named Ireland's patron saint!" He was very widely remembered for spreading Christianity even further throughout his country and therefore a day was given to him, celebrating his death and coming of Ireland's patron saint. He died on March 17, 461. The celebrations in Ireland were modest compared to the ones held in America. The website states that: "18th century Irish soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War held the first St. Patrick's day parades. The celebrations became a way for the Irish to connect with their roots after they moved to America!" When the first celebrations were just beginning, many Americans were horribly poor and as a result, they couldn't afford much food. The best meal they could afford was beef and cabbage. It became a signature meal for the holiday! As you can see, St. Patrick's day is a very unique cultural holiday that allows the Irish to get in touch with their roots and honor their ancestors!  So, the next time you wear green, now you know the reason why!!

- Abbey Mathews