What is Saint Patrick’s Day, and why do we celebrate it?
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most important and highly anticipated dates in the Irish calendar. A day to celebrate our Irish culture with some traditional Irish music and a jig, watching the annual parade, and washing it down with a pint of Guinness. But the celebrations go much further than this small island, with landmarks worldwide turning green for the occasion. From the Empire State Building to the London eye, the Burj al Arab to Niagara Falls and even the Chicago River turning green to honor St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday started as a religious event to commemorate Ireland’s Patron Saint, but over time it has become a worldwide event to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
But what is it all about you may ask?
St. Patrick’s Day Facts
Ever wondered what Paddy’s day is all about? We’ve unearthed some of the top St. Patrick’s Day facts.
When is St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the 17th March each year, the religious feast day of Ireland’s patron saint who died on this date during the 5th century. An important date for your diary with celebrations occurring all over the world.
Who was St. Patrick?
Born in Great Britain, St. Patrick was captured as a teenager and taken to Ireland where he was sent to work as a slave and tend the sheep on the mountain. He later escaped and returned home where he had a vision to go back to Ireland and tell them about God. He returned years later as a priest to spread the message of Christianity to the Irish people, using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. This is why shamrocks have long been associated with St. Patrick’s day.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday to celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland, however, this has now evolved into a celebration of Irish culture which is marked around the world. Many people use this day to honor their Irish heritage.
With many Irish descendants and expats, America hosts some of the largest celebrations each year with parades and festivals throughout the country including New York, San Francisco and Chicago. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have taken place in America since the 1600s, however it wasn’t until the 19th century that they became the huge festivals that we see today.
Why green on St. Patrick’s Day?
Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland has long been associated with the color green symbolizing patriotism and our spectacular green landscapes. However, blue was the original color associated with St. Patrick and Ireland which can be seen in ancient Ireland flags.
Legend has it the color green makes you invisible to Leprechauns, so they won’t pinch you! It’s thought this tradition started in America and has since been adopted worldwide as the color of choice. It is now ‘essential’ to wear green for your St. Patrick’s day outfit, you don’t want to risk getting pinched!
St Patrick’s Day Apparel
We have established the color green is a necessity, but what to wear on St. Patrick’s Day? We’ve got some St. Patrick's day outfit inspiration for you. It’s time to get your green on!
Green Jerseys
Ireland is home of the GAA, so what better way to celebrate the Irish holiday than with an O’Neills GAA jersey. We have a wide range of county green jerseys on offer from Mayo to Donegal and All Ireland Hurling Champions, Limerick. Wear the history of Ireland with pride in a jersey from our commemoration range that pays tribute to key historic events. Cheer on the boys in green with an Ireland Soccer jersey or team leisurewear, or show your support for the Irish Rugby team during their Six Nations campaign with an Ireland Rugby jersey. We’ve got the perfect St. Patrick’s jersey for you!
St Patrick’s Day Shirt
Maybe a jersey isn’t your style? O’Neills have plenty of pinch-proof St Patrick’s Day shirts, hoodies and accessories on offer! From men’s St. Patrick’s day shirts, women’s St. Patrick’s Day clothing options and children’s St. Patrick’s Day shirts, we’ve got something to suit everyone.
Show your love for Ireland’s famous stout with a shirt or hoodie from our Guinness clothing collection, or wear an Irish Celtic design tee with pride. Why not become an honorary Derry Girl for the day with a shirt from the Derry Girls Jersey range by O’Neills, as they said in the show “being a Derry Girl is a state of mind”. Wear your Irish pride and celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day in style.
The countdown to the big day is now on and it’s time to get planning your festivities. So, grab your green jersey or St. Patrick’s Day shirt and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture wherever you are in the world.