The Breda University of Applied Sciences is an International University available for students all over the world. To honor all our international students, we think it is important to highlight all global celebrations. As it is the 17th of March, St. Patrick’s Day is the celebration we will highlight today. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.

A Little History

Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is one of the patron saints of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. During his lifetime he was able to return to his family in Roman Britian where he entered the church. However, he later returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.

According to the popular legend, Patrick stood on an Irish hillside where he delivered a sermon (a kind of speech). The sermon was meant to drive the island’s snakes/serpents into the sea. However, according to human history, there have been no snakes in Ireland since the last ice age. Therefore, scholars believe the “snakes” that St. Patrick banished from Ireland, may refer to the druids or pagan worshipers of snakes/serpent gods. The reference sounds logical as Patrick was against the pagan ideology.

What do people do?

On this special day, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon with dancing, drinking and feasting on traditional Irish meals. For instance, Irish bacon and cabbage. Over the years, this celebration has become more popular and global. This resulted in enlarged festivities and celebrations including parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.

Many people choose to wear an item of green clothing on the day and carry the flag of the Republic of Ireland. Green has historically been associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Therefore, people wear the color green proudly. Another common symbol for the celebration is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the holy trinity St. Patrick’s Day.

So, how can you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Kids, adults and everyone in between can enjoy all the best St. Patrick’s Day tradition that this Irish holiday has to offer. For instance: Bake festive GREEN desserts (cupcakes, cookies or even cakes) Have an Irish Movie Marathon (such as the musical movie Once) Eat corned beef and cabbage (a traditional Irish dish) Listen to Irish music Enjoy a few drinks with your family

Have a lovely St. Patrick’s Day!