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St. Patrick’s Day
March 17
Significance of St. Patrick’s Day 2023
St. Patrick’s Day 2023 (also known as Saint Patrick’s Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick) is a holiday that remembers one of Ireland’s patron saints, St. Patrick and as a day of recognition of Irish and Irish American culture. St. Patrick’s Day 2023 is observed on March 17. Although a legal holiday only in Suffolk County, Savannah, Georgia and Massachusetts (where it is recognized alongside Evacuation Day) it is nonetheless widely recognized and celebrated throughout the United States.
History of Saint Patrick’s Day
The history of St. Patrick’s Day 2023 dates back to the early 17th century when it was made an official Christian feast day by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. The day remembers Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish.
The holiday has been celebrated on the North American continent since the 17th century. Irish-American immigrants brought Saint Patrick’s Day to the United States. The first civic and public celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in the 13 colonies took place in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737.
In 1780 General George Washington commanded soldiers of Irish descent in the Continental Army and allowed his troops a holiday on March 17. This event became known as The St. Patrick’s Day Encampment of 1780. St. Patrick’s Day 2023, while not a legal holiday throughout the entire the United States, is nonetheless widely recognised and observed throughout the country.
Traditions of Saint Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day 2023 traditions include celebrations concentrate on Irish themed parties, drinks and food. Many people dress in green clothing and eat green coloured food. Irish clubs and pubs often hold celebrations or have special deals. Christians also attend church services and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day and many communities hold large street parades to mark St. Patrick’s Day.