The History of St. Patrick’s Day Parades

St. Patrick’s Day was not an officially recognized holiday until 1976, but most large cities were already hosting their own brand of parades in honor of the day.  However, it was increasingly recognized as a secular holiday, not a Christian one, with the emphasis on pure fun.  While there is nothing wrong with that, the outlandish customs that Americans seem to love have become offensive to some devout Irish, who would never dream of wearing a “kiss me, I’m Irish” button.  Also drinking to excess is now a given for many folks on this holiday, something the true Irish did not tolerate. 

In Ireland, businesses were closed on St. Patrick’s Day, including the pubs.  The day began by attending church services to honor their patron saint.  Men wore a sprig of shamrocks on the hats or jackets, women wore green ribbons in their hair, and children wore green, white and orange badges – the colors of the flag.  The rest of the day was devoted to family, friends, and festivities.  Games, crafts, and contests were held, and copious quantities of dark Irish beer and traditional Irish dishes were consumed, but drinkers stayed close to home and knew their limits.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the Irish parliament repealed the law keeping pubs closed.  In 1995 a national campaign began to attract tourism to the war-torn country, and to showcase the beautiful Emerald Isle.  A national St. Patrick’s celebration now takes place in Dublin every year, lasting several days.  In addition to a huge parade, there are fireworks, concerts, theater productions, and treasure hunts.  Close to a million attend every year.

St. Patrick’s Day parades are springing up in other countries as well.  Canada, Russia, Singapore, and Japan boast of parades, among others.  It just goes to show that, indeed, there may be a little leprechaun in all of us.  This is certainly true in America, where the Census Bureau estimates over 34 million Americans can trace some Irish blood in their ancestry.

With this year’s celebration just around the corner, many establishments are already gearing up for the coming festivities.  In university towns this often includes neighbors boarding up their windows against a night of frivolity and heavy drinking.  But less troublesome celebrations will be everywhere, so be sure to freshen up your green jacket and buff up your dancing shoes!  And as the evening wears on and you are ready to end your day, be sure and bless your hosts with a traditional Irish blessing:  “May your neighbors respect you, troubles neglect you, the angels protect you, and Heaven accept you.”

Sources

St Patrick’s Day.com

The History Channel

Wikihow.com