St. Patrick’s Day: The Backstory

St. Patrick’s Day, or The Feast of St. Patrick, is a well-known holiday, known for fun (and sometimes crazy) parties all over the United States. Shamrocks are abundant and you’ll be seeing in the color green just about everywhere you go on March 17th. However, many people celebrate the holiday without ever knowing WHY they are celebrating or WHAT the traditions mean. We’re here to put those questions to rest.

What is St. Patrick’s Day, Besides a Party?

St. Patricks’ Day is when people, specifically those of Irish descent, recognize and remember St. Patrick, a historical figure of religious significance in Ireland. The day was traditionally celebrated as a feast day by those of the Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and Lutheran churches.

Who Was Saint Patrick?

It is thought that St. Patrick was born a Roman Britain to a wealthy family in the fourth century. He was kidnapped by Irish raiders at age 16 and sold as a slave. He served as a shepherd in Gaelic Ireland for 6 years, and during that time, it is historically said that he “found God”. According to the story, God told him to flee to the coast where a ship would be waiting to take him home. Once he made his way home, Patrick became a priest, and later returned to Ireland to convert the pagan society to Christianity. During his ministry, he converted thousands, and tradition holds that he passed away on March 17th.

Why All the Shamrocks?

According to the historical tales, St. Patrick used clover, a three-leaf plant, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish.

Saints and Parties?

Traditionally, the Feast of St. Patrick was the one day that the restrictions of Lent were lifted, and people could indulge in the things they had given up, including alcoholic beverages. It was a time to honor and celebrate the patron saint Patrick and remember what he did for the Irish people. Today, St. Patricks Day is used as a huge marketing holiday for many food and beverage (specifically beer) companies since the day is celebrated with large parties  around the world. They take advantage of the concept of “abundance” and extravagance that has come to be associated with St. Patricks’ day.

So, this St. Patrick’s Day, go green on March 17th knowing exactly why you’re wearing those sparkly shamrock glasses and enjoying a fun party with your friends. If your celebration is interrupted with an accident or injury, you need more than luck to make it through! Having adequate insurance is key to protecting yourself, your assets, and your family from whatever life throws your way. Carroll Marshall Insurance is your local solution to quality insurance at affordable prices. We work with the top providers in Florida to give you the best possible options and customize a coverage plan that works for you. Call us!

Happy St. Patty’s Day!