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Leprechauns, four-leaf clover and beer, lots of beer. Welcome to St. Patrick’s Day, or if you prefer, St. Patrick’s Day.
This typically Irish party has increasingly conquered the Tupiniquim heart, either for the joy that surrounds the date, or for its religious significance.
The fact is that if you intend to get involved in this revelry, then you need to know this story better first to guarantee a true Irish party. Come on?
Who was St. Patrick and what is St. Patrick’s Day?
Saint Patrick or Saint Patrick is a Catholic saint considered the patron saint of Ireland. However, interestingly, St. Patrick is not Irish but English.
Until the age of 16, Patricio considered himself a pagan, but at the same time he was kidnapped and sold into slavery to the Irish.
Over the six years he was a slave, St. Patrick began to turn to God and the Christian faith until he managed to escape captivity.
At the time, Patrick began living in a Christian monastery and left there 12 years later convinced that his mission was to convert Irish pagans into Christians. And so he did.
He returned to Ireland and proceeded to indoctrinate the Irish with great success. After 30 years, St. Patrick returned to England where he lived until the day of his death, March 17, 461.
And that’s why St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, a date to remember the saint’s missionary history.
St. Patrick’s Day is currently celebrated in many countries around the world, especially those with Irish culture influence, such as the USA, England and Australia.
In fact, the biggest Saint Patrick’s parade in the world takes place in American and non-Irish lands.
The Saint Patrick’s parade in New York draws hundreds of thousands of people every year and is considered the biggest Irish party outside of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day Symbols
For an authentic St. Patrick’s Day party, the presence of some striking symbols is essential. Check out what they are below.
Green
Green is the color of Ireland and also of the feast of St. Patrick. But why? One of the main reasons is the reference to the country’s characteristic vegetation. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle precisely because it is always covered in green, thanks to the wet and rainy climate.
Another reason for wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day was the Irish Rebellion in 1798. At the time, Irish soldiers dressed in green as a way to draw attention to the conflict. As a result, green also became a symbol of Irish nationalism and patriotism.
Clover
Legend has it that St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover as a way of evangelizing the pagans, making an analogy between the number of leaves and the divine trinity.
Another reason for using the clover was the fact that the plant was widely used by pagans as a symbol of luck. St. Patrick, upon noticing this, began to use the plant as a means of getting closer to the Irish people.
celtic cross
The Celtic cross was another device created by St. Patrick to get closer to the pagans.
He joined the cross used by the Celtic people, called the solar cross, with the Christian cross thus forming a new cross that came to be known as the Celtic cross.
leprechaun
Friendly green goblins, known as the Leprechaun, are another great symbol of Irish culture and especially the feast of St. Patrick.
Red-bearded, green-suited and holding a shamrock, the Leprechaun is part of rich Irish folklore.
Beer
Self-respecting Irish party always has lots of beer, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Did you know that this is the only day of the year that Irish people can drink alcohol on the streets? For you to see how St. Patrick’s Day is valued in the country.
Another curiosity about beer is that on this day, pubs add green coloring to the drink to make it the color of the party.
The most consumed beer at St. Patrick’s party is Guinness, they even say that consumption more than doubles at this time of year and in order not to run out of drinks, pubs need to anticipate and stock up on the brand.
Worldwide, the average consumption of Guinness on March 17th goes from 5.5 million liters to around 13 million liters in a single day!
St. Patrick’s Day Decoration
You can already imagine that a legitimate St. Patrick’s party can and should have all the symbols we mentioned earlier.
Green, therefore, is the color of the party. He must reign in decoration, on all sides. The color can be inserted through balloons, pennants, napkins, towels, glasses and all kinds of accessories used at the party.
Another indispensable element is the three-leaf clovers. You can use the plant in natura, as well as use paper cutouts, folds or even prints with the leaf on tablecloths, cups and napkins.
The leprechaun can appear in the decor in the form of dolls and miniatures, but this is also a great costume idea. And if you don’t want to incorporate a complete leprechaun, just wear a few accessories like a hat or a red beard.
Menu for St. Patrick’s Day Party
To make everything as original and Irish as possible, plan a typical food menu.
The main one is Corned beef boil, a type of roast beef with cabbage. Another good option is the Breakfast roll, a type of Irish snack that is widely consumed for breakfast there, but which can be adapted for a party. It is well enhanced and brings, in addition to bread, eggs, bacon, sausage and mushrooms.
Bread and fries is another delicacy that is very popular in Ireland. This snack is nothing more than a bread stuffed with potatoes, those with ripples sold in small packages, you know? Only that!
To accompany, offer the classic Guinness beer, as well as liqueur and the typical Irish coffee that includes whiskey and cream in the recipe.
The Saint Patrick’s party menu can also bring popular dishes and recipes around here, but personalized with Irish elements, such as a green dough cake or cookies in the shape of leprechauns.
Check out 40 decor ideas for St. Patrick’s Day now and awaken your Irish side.