Photo by Cole Keister at Unsplash

By Noelle Di Perna

Many know St. Patrick’s Day for the festive traditions that come with it such as four-leaf clovers, green attire, leprechauns, and McDonald’s Shamrock shakes but many are unaware of the origins of the holiday. St. Patrick’s Day has a cultural religious background and began as a way to honour the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Essentially, March 17th is the feast day of Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick was important to Ireland, specifically religious Irish citizens as he brought Christian religion to the land. Symbolisms crucial to the holiday, such as green colours, started due to its connection to Irish citizens. Green symbolizes Irish pride through its connection with the Irish flag and the vast, everlasting green landscapes in Ireland. Although the holiday may no longer be present as a way to connect with Christian-Irish heritage, the day is celebrated worldwide in honour of Ireland.