Here’s the thing about Saint Patrick’s Day: in America, it’s infinitely adaptable. Consider the way they celebrate it in San Antonio. When this reporter lived in the historically Hispanic south Texas city they dyed the San Antonio River green. From the pubs lining the Paseo del Rio, the River Walk, emanated mingled music – everything from traditional Irish ballads to Mariachi. Margaritas and Guinness got consumed with equal gusto.
And so it is across America. For a day, everybody becomes a little bit Irish, all the while remaining precisely who we are.
For some 30 years during the 5th century, Patrick, born in Roman Britain, traveled Ireland – converting, baptizing, ordaining and helping order the unruly land. Tradition has it that he died March 17, near Downpatrick, the day now designated as his feast day. What started out as a commemoration of the man who brought Christianity to Ireland has morphed into something decidedly different. You neither have to be Christian nor Irish to celebrate the Emerald Isle’s preeminent patron saint. A love of people, good brew, and music, however, helps.
If there’s a temporal sin March 17 it’s neglecting to wear the green. The tradition’s been going on for a little bit more than three centuries now. Back in the 1600s folks began to don shamrocks to pay homage to Saint Patty.
These days, people of all persuasion celebrate the day, from Dublin to Dallas, from Downpatrick to Duluth. Understand that it’s not a legal holiday, not in the United States at any rate – even though it’s been roundly celebrated over here since before the Revolutionary War.
We’ll give you a green-hued glimpse of some of the biggest and best of Saint Patrick’s Day parades in Friday’s posts. Tell how you intend to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day – and don’t forget, be sure you’re wearing the green.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Jude Doyland)
