Most of us know Saint Patricks day as a yearly holiday held on March 17 where people wear green and drink Guinsess. We know it by its plentiful parades and symbols of good luck, but is that really the whole story?
The 17th century holiday made to commemorate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated annually on the date of his death. Born in Roman Britain, Saint Patrick spent six years in captivity as a slave in Ireland. In that time, he became a devout Christain. Shortly after escaping to Britain, he came back to Ireland as a missionary, hoping to spread Christiainity throughout the country.
In Ireland, the holiday was created as a religious observance of Saint Patrick; who selflessly went back to the country that enslaved him for the greater good. But as it has spread to the United States, the holiday has gradually transformed into a blind celebration of Irish culture.
According to the U.S News & World Report, “about 9.4% of Americans are of Irish descent, but 61% plan to celebrate the holiday this year.” And while it is impossible to know the true number of people in the U.S that know the true story of Saint Patrick’s Day, according to Briticanna, “it’s safe to say that many people are unaware of the historical context and the true origins of the holiday.”
To reinforce this point even more, we talked to students about the topic. “To me, Saint Patricks day is all about drinking, and partying in green,” an anonymous student said. “The holiday is basically a celebration of Leprechauns.”
And while many Americans have chosen to take to the bars with their pals on the 17th, in Ireland, the pubs are closed, as the Irish choose to celebrate this religious holiday with their families in sacrimony.
But not only to mention this mis-appropriation, there is also a significant amount of revenue that this holiday generates, that takes away from its origin meaning of selflessness.
According to estimates by the National Retail Federation, in 2024, overall spending for St. Patricks Day in the U.S was $7.2 billion, a 57% increase from 2015. Additionally, the NRF survey shows that 82% of those celebrating plan to wear green, 29% plan to cook a special dinner, and 27% plan to spend the holiday at a party, bar, or restaurant. While, according to Hallmark, over 8 million Americans exchange cards for Saint Patricks day yearly.
And is as commonly seen in overly commercialized holidays, a shift can take place in the meaning of the celebration. As Saint Patricks day has shifted from a religious feast commemorating St. Patrick to a focus on material possessions and spending, the traditional meaning and traditions originally associated with the holiday have diminished. Along with any general understanding of what Saint Patrick’s Day really is.