La Saint Patrick
Read this article in its French version (right-click – open in new tab to compare)
So, aren’t we waiting for Patrick?
Even though the color that represents him is green, Saint Patrick’s Day is not a tribute to camping.
You’ve probably heard about it, like every year, Saint Patrick’s Day is an occasion – another one – to celebrate and have a good beer in a pub, preferably Irish.
If all that matters to you is partying and having a nice hangover the next morning, then hurry to the pub. If you want to shine a little in society and feel more knowledgeable about Irish culture, here’s what you need…
Identity
Name :
Saint Patrick
Date :
17 March
Kind of event
religious culture (christian)
Commemoration :
of Saint Patrick, Patron saint of Ireland, who spread the Christian religion there in the 5th century.
From :
Ireland.
An international celebration
If Saint Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who helped spread the Christian religion in the country, this celebration is not limited to Ireland but truly encompasses Irish culture and the Irish people, wherever they live.
In some countries and cities, the Irish community is so significant that Saint Patrick’s Day is equally important.
Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
Like many other religious holidays, Saint Patrick’s Day could be criticized as a commercial celebration. In fact, today it is an international holiday, even in countries with a small Irish community. This is the case in certain cities in France and other non-English-speaking countries, where March 17th is just another occasion to gather at the bar, drink beer after purchasing cheap Leprechaun-themed clothing, following increasingly commercial stereotypes that deviate from the original meaning of this holiday.
But far from the image of the alcoholic Irish person acting foolishly in the pub, guzzling pints of Guinness, Saint Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to pay tribute not only to their patron saint but also to the Irish people themselves.
One of the most famous cities for Saint Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland is Chicago, where the river is dyed green every March 17th, but Saint Patrick’s Day is also celebrated in Australia and Japan!
The traditions
Everyone and everything in green !
It’s THE color that represents Saint Patrick’s Day. Why?
Perhaps because it’s the color of the shamrock, the symbol of Ireland.
Or perhaps because it’s the color of the attire Saint Patrick is depicted wearing in the representations of him.
Regardless, it’s an opportunity to wear green !
Everyday clothes or Leprechaun costumes (with or without a beard): a lovely jacket, pants, and a big Leprechaun or Mad Hatter hat! Green, of course.
And beyond wearing green, we can also drink it, decorate with it, and celebrate Ireland !
The Leprechaun
Creature of Irish mythology, the Leprechaun resembles a sprite or a gnome. Small in size, it is said to hide its treasure in a cauldron at the foot of a rainbow.
A treasure? Gold coins given by the fairies. It is said that the Leprechaun would make them dance shoes, according to the legends of the Book of Invasions.
An invasion? That of fantastical creatures, the Tuatha Dé Dannan, in Ireland. Ancestors of the Leprechauns, they were repelled by the Gaelic people, reached an agreement, and were allowed to live in the underground half of Ireland. That’s why it’s very difficult to see them!
Good or bad?
Despite their small size and good-natured appearance, Leprechauns still possess the invader nature inherited from their ancestors. They can be mischievous and occasionally ill-tempered.
Leprechauns sometimes suffer from a stereotypical image of themselves and Ireland. Crafty, bearded, red-haired, capable of getting out of a tight spot with their magical coin that always returns to their purse. They are also unable to lie. If you catch one, they will tell you where their treasure is hidden. But if you look away for a split second… they will disappear!
Myth or reality?
Get a firsthand experience of the leprechaun webcam and decide for yourself!
To celebrate Saint Patrick's Day properly
And if you have the opportunity, go celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland, in Dublin, at the Temple Bar, where you will probably come across one or two celebrities…
Ready to challenge yourself ?
How is Saint Patrick’s Day going for you ?
Tell us… in English !
Enjoy Saint Patrick's Day !
