Daemen College : Student Life : Daemen Insight : You Look a Little Green There....
You Look a Little Green There....
By Emily Leschhorn
On this St. Patrick’s Day, The INSIGHT would like to go back to the origins of this holiday instead of just focusing on the drinking, parades, and overall partying that everyone sees around town. Having been around town for most of the day, I feel it is safe to say that not only Irish people take part in the festivities; many others get in on the fun, too. Being around town in Buffalo on St. Patrick’s Day, there is definitely not a lack of green. So why is this holiday so widely celebrated? Well, it's safe to say that most people are drawn to this holiday by the mass amounts of drinking that occur. But do most know the reason for the season?
March 17 is actually recognized as the date of St. Patrick’s death, which occurred in the 5th century. St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the season of Lent for Christians, is a day in Irish culture where families would go to church, but then basically halt the Lenten season and engage in drinking, the eating of meats, etc., especially a traditional meal including corned beef, cabbage, and Irish bacon.
St. Patrick himself is most commonly recognized for the introduction of Christianity in Ireland, but he is also well known for being one of the most famous patron saints of Ireland. His is by far the most celebrated saint’s day in the world, thanks to America, Ireland, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
One of the better-known legends is that St. Patrick used the clover to describe the Holy Trinity, using each leaf to represent the three parts: father, son, and holy spirit. Ultimately, many aspects of St. Patrick’s Day are legend, but it’s always fun to imagine!
So, what did Buffalo do for St. Patrick’s Day? It seems most people enjoyed the 75-degree weather and attended parades such as a South Buffalo St. Patty’s parade and the Downtown Parade. And even if you aren’t Irish, I hope you joined in on the friendly spirit of the GREEN!