Time for another holiday poll! Harding High School students were asked these three questions, “Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?” as well as “Do you think Leprechauns are real?” and finally “Do you wear green on St. Patty's?” By the closing of the poll, there were a total of only 112 votes. 69 students celebrate, while 43 do not. 25 students believe leprechauns are real, while 39 do not and 48 are unsure. Finally, 88 of the students do wear green on March 17th, while on the other hand, 24 believe it’s an ugly color. Although St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a super celebrated holiday in the United States, it still deserves a little bit of a spotlight.
St. Patrick's Day, otherwise known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, is celebrated on March 17th and is described as a cultural and religious celebration. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, Irish families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
Who is Saint Patrick? St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain and lived during the fifth century. He is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. St. Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. Following Patrick’s death which was believed to have happened on March 17, 461, the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in Irish culture which ultimately ended in St. Patrick’s Day.
How is St. Patrick’s celebrated in the United States? As most know, St. Patty’s in the U.S. is recognized with shamrocks, leprechauns, parades, and all things green. In elementary school, teachers emphasized St. Patrick’s by making green treats, decorating their classrooms, and even sometimes a sneaky little Leprechaun would leave a surprise. Just like New Years, people serve corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick's Day because of the fact that those foods were less expensive for immigrants who came to America many years ago.
Whether you celebrate or not, do NOT forget to wear green! Happy St. Patrick’s Day from your Harding Herald Staff.