The wearing of the green
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th has become a day when everyone, regardless of nationality, is Irish for the day. On “St. Paddy’s Day”, people flock to their local pub for a drink with friends, usually donning something green, because it is a day associated with mirth and merriment. Banners, signs and t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Kiss me, I’m Irish” can be seen everywhere, in addition to pictures of shamrocks and leprechauns. Spirited Irish music can be heard and many an impromptu song can erupt from crowds of happy revelers. How much is known about the history of St. Patrick though?
In the Catholic calendar, the feast day of St. Patrick is March 17th. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, even though he was not Irish by birth. It is believed that St. Patrick was of English or Scottish origin, and he journeyed to Ireland as a missionary. There are many legends associated with him, including the famous tale in which he banished all the snakes from Ireland.
If you are interested in finding out more about the origins of St. Patrick’s Day and the history of St. Patrick himself, check out these titles available through the Toronto Public Library catalogue:
The History of St. Patrick’s Day (DVD) and The Wearing of the Green by Mike Cronin.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world in both religious and secular ways. Here in Toronto, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, March 17th, beginning at 12:00 noon.
The procession will travel east from Bloor and St. George Street to Bloor and Yonge Street, then proceed south along Yonge Street to Queen Street, and finally proceed west to University Ave. where it will end at Nathan Phillips Square. For more information, please visit the parade website at http://www.topatrick.com/
Since no celebration is quite complete without some lively Irish music, be sure to tune into CHIN radio’s Irish and Scottish hour http://www.chinradio.com/radio-programs/irish-scottish/ hosted by Toronto’s beloved Irish personality, radio host, comedian, entertainer and 2010 Irish Person Of The Year, Hugo Straney
However you decide to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, may the luck of the Irish be with you and if you’re heading out for a pint of green beer somewhere, don’t forget the Irish Gaelic for cheers: Sláinte!
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