Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Community, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and, by extension, celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, desserts by up, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians who belong to liturgical denominations also attend church services and typically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday’s tradition of alcohol consumption.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, the United States, Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, especially amongst the Irish diaspora. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Modern celebrations have been greatly influenced by those of Irish descent, particularly those that developed in North America.
HAPPY ST Patrick’s DAY
Larry Packet, State Deputy, Saskatchewan