The History of Saint Patrick’s Day

March 17 marks the day of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.

While the occasion is religious in origin, it has come to be characterized by raucous parties that take place around the world. Whether you’re in Chicago or Tokyo, you’re likely not far from a St. Patrick’s Day event on March 17.

However, amid the alcohol-fueled celebrations, it is easy to forget the real story of St. Patrick, who lived from AD 385–461. He was in fact born in Roman Britain, before being captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he managed to escape to Britain before later returning to Ireland as a priest.

During 40 years on the island, he converted thousands of Druids and pagans to Christianity, working many miracles and writing a memoir called The Confession. Interestingly enough, St. Patrick was never officially canonized by the Catholic Church, but he is considered a saint by churches around the world.

To celebrate his life and work, it is traditional to wear green clothes and take part in public parades, practices that continue in many places today. Christians also attend church services to honor St. Patrick, and are allowed to drink alcohol despite the Lenten tradition of abstinence.

It is thought the lifting of restrictions on alcohol contributed to St Patrick’s association with drinking. Today, you are likely to see pubs and bars cashing in on St. Patrick’s Day with special promotions that have fueled some opposition in certain areas.

Whether you are religious or not, take a moment to remember the real story of St. Patrick as you sink pints of Guinness this March 17.