by Tatiana Brown and Jasmine Embrick
Many people around us think of Saint Patrick's Day as the one day of the year where everyone wears green and drinks loads of alcohol, and the superstition behind these is supported. But none of us seem to be asking the important questions; why do we celebrate it?
Back in 461 AD, Roman-British missionary Saint Patrick died of what might have been old age. He was seen as the “Apostle of Ireland” because of his missionary visits to churches around Ireland. Saint Patrick's arrival was always exuberantly anticipated when he traveled around. He taught many churchgoers the ways of the Holy Trinity, or the Catholic Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through a shamrock plant, otherwise known as a three-leaf clover. This quickly caught on and he became known as the peaceful man who some say started the Irish culture.
In honor of this new beginning, many started celebrating the work that he had done. So every year on March 17, many people around the world join along with the Irish to celebrate the new year.
In Chicago, the Chicago River is dyed a bright green, a tradition that began in 1962. This tradition is funny since, supposedly, the original theme colour of Saint Patrick's Day was actually blue, not green. Another surprising fact is that Saint Patrick's name used to be Maewyn Succat, however, he changed it when he became a priest for the Christian Church.
So how do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? Do you use it as an excuse to drink as Guinness beer as possible? Instead, maybe this year, take your loved ones out for a nice picnic under the stars, and watch the bright fireworks.