THE HISTORY OF SAINT PATRICKS DAY:

Have you ever wondered when and why St. Patrick's day started? According to National Geographic "The holiday was first celebrated in 18th and 19th century Ireland as a small religious celebration in honor of an important figure in Irish history." However, even though St. Patrick's day originated from Ireland the parties, celebrations, and wearing green, is an Irish-American pride. National Geographic says, “St. Patrick was a real person. He lived sometime in the 5th century A.D and was British not Irish. He ended up in Ireland because he was kidnapped at age sixteen and sold into slavery.” After being a slave for seven years he escaped back to Britain but ounce he was free he felt the “call of God” to return back to Ireland and become a missionary. After his death, thought to be on March 17, he was named the honorary patron saint of Ireland for bringing christianity to their previously pagan region. So how did the holiday make its way to America and turn into a party?  When Irish immigrants and soldiers came to America they used the March 17th holiday to celebrate their homeland. In the 19th century, millions of Irish immigrated to the United States and they wanted to remember the country they left behind. “Saint Patrick’s Day gained popularity with non-Irish Americans only in the latter half of the 20th century.” says Patrick Tally a professor of history at the University of Colorado Boulder. It took several decades to become the holiday it is today. So, throw on your favorite green outfit, and have fun!