number-icn Toll Free (USA & Canada) +1 866­ 978 2997
How Did St. Patrick’s Day Become a Drinking Holiday?
By February 14, 2020 No Comments

How Did St. Patrick’s Day Become a Drinking Holiday?

An entire day dedicated to drinking! St Patrick’s Day is just another excuse to drink and enjoy.
The holiday, today, may have become synonymous with drinking, but have you ever wondered
about the origin of this day?

As the name suggests, the day is commemorated on the death anniversary of St Patrick. He
was a very well-renowned patron saint of Ireland, who is believed to have expunged all the
snakes from Ireland. However, considering the extreme weather conditions of Ireland being
surrounded by icy waters, it’s unlikely that there had been any snakes in that country.


How did the tradition of drinking start?

Born in Great Britain, St. Patrick was kidnapped and forced into slavery at the age of 16.
Fortunately, after six years, he escaped and found his way back home and became a Bishop.
While he was serving the masses in his home, he claimed to have a dream in which people of
Ireland were calling out to him.

At this time, the people of Ireland were polytheistic, and Saint Patrick returned to propel
Christianity among them. To honor the Saint, the Christians organized a huge feast in which
there were no restrictions on Lenten food and alcohol. So, after this day, Catholic cast aside lent
restrictions just for this day, and soon this became a tradition. 
 
The tradition was adopted by the Americans when thousands of Irish people migrated here to
escape the potato famine of the time. These people marched on the streets on Saint Patrick’s
Day, which led to tradition to be embraced by the American people with open arms.


Green- The color of celebration or one more tradition?

St. Patrick Day’s celebration means people wearing green outfits parading on the streets, but
why green?
 
You may associate it with the lush green meadows of Ireland, but according to another legend,
St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach the pillars of Christianity, the Holy Trinity of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Initially, the participants used to wear clothing depicting shamrocks,
but soon it evolved into wearing all green for the day.

Subscribe

Stay updated On The Best Travel Deals and Tips!

Subscribe to get best travel tips as well as free guides to help you plan your next trip like a pro.

* indicates required

Categories

Related Posts

popular destination

Be Inspired

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest offers and receive $25pp off your first Indus tour.