The History of St. Patrick's Day

For those of you with inquiring minds because sometimes you just can't have to much information!

Conceived in 5th century Ireland, the March 17 holiday initially was a reverent Roman Catholic observance humbly paying homage to St Patrick the patron saint of Ireland. In keeping with that sober tone, until the 1970s, Ireland's, pubs were mandated closed, in veneration of the holy day. The holiday's observance is the day St Patrick died, believed by historians to be somewhere around 460 A.D.

There was no parade.

Imported toAmerica and other countries by nostalgic Irish immigrants, the hallowed festival was launched in their newly-settled homelands to inspire unity, assert a presence, and to celebrate their cultural integration. After Irish immigrants found their way to America, the Colonies celebrated St Patrick's Day for the first time in Boston, in 1737. In New York City, the earliest celebration was held in 1756 at the Crown and Thistle Tavern, according to the U.S. Department of International Information programs.

Some interesting tidbits:

Shamrocks are added to St Patrick's Best beer brewed by
The Strangford Lough Brewing Company.

(That's got to taste better than those fat, little worms)

The symbolic color of St Patrick's Day was formerly blue not green.

Corned beef is not traditional.

(No wonder I can't stand it)

Patrick was sold to an Irish chieftain.
He spent six years in slavery, until escaping.