The Origin of Saint Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, but he did not always live in Ireland. He was born in Britain in the fourth century and was kidnapped and enslaved by Irish raiders at 16 years old and forced to work in the country. After St. Patrick arrived, he became interested in Christianity and began teaching others about this religion. It is thought that he converted many of the country’s residents to Christians. So now, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the day Patrick passed. This holiday started as a religious one, but over time, it became a celebration of Irish culture as a whole.

Why Wear Green?

The color green represents the shamrock, (Ireland’s national flower), and serves as a symbol of Irish nationalism and pride. As the tradition was popularized in the US, a legend began that wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day would prevent a leprechaun’s pinch. This legend states that wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day makes the person invisible to leprechauns. These tiny red-bearded fairies of Irish folklore supposedly roam around pinching people who have chosen to wear clothing of other colors. 

Saint Patrick’s Day Foods

Saint Patrick’s day comes with many traditional foods! Many people enjoy making and eating: 

• Corned Beef Brisket, Potatoes, Cabbage, and Carrots
• Corned Beef HashReal Irish Soda Bread
• Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes) 
• Irish Colcannon
• Guinness-Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Guinness Beef Stew With Potatoes

How to Celebrate

St. Patrick’s Day can be celebrated in a numerous amount of ways, but the most common include: parades, parties, or simply just wearing green! 

Some Popular Saint Patrick’s Day Traditions and Celebrations:

• The Chicago River is dyed a vibrant, emerald green for St. Patrick’s Day, a tradition dating back to 1962. This year, the event will take place on March 14th, 2026. 
• People tend to wear green, shamrocks, and have green themed foods and beverages. Some houses have Irish flags or shamrocks on windows in order to show their celebration of the holiday. People have parties at homes and venues, and have a fun time together!
• This year, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Morris County is Saturday, March 14th 2026 at Noon.
• Pearl River is a huge celebration! This little hamlet hosts huge crowds every March for the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s 62nd parade begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.
• The NYC Saint Patrick’s Day parade has been going on for many years. The 265th New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place along 5th Avenue in Manhattan on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

Resources used for this information: National Geographic Kids, History, Lohud, NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Serious Eats.