Things You Can Do On St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day or the feast of Saint Patrick is a religious and cultural celebration observed by the Catholic Church on the 17th of March. This has been held every year since 1601. According to the encyclopedia- Britannica, “Saint Patrick was born in Britain of a Romanized family. At age 16 he was abducted by Irish raiders from the villa of his father, Calpurnius, a deacon and minor local official, and carried into slavery in Ireland.
He spent six bleak years there as a herdsman, during which he turned with fervor to his faith. Upon dreaming that the ship in which he was to escape was ready, he fled his master and found passage to Britain. There he came near to starvation and suffered a second brief captivity before he was reunited with his family. Thereafter, he may have paid a short visit to the Continent.”
Patrick grew in popularity posthumously. After his demise in 461, people did not remember him until the 7th century. His resurgence occurred as legends of his, continued to grow. These are stories which made him a legendary figure- One of them shared that he chased all the snakes away from Ireland. This theory is however arguable in science.
Patrick also wrote that he raised people from the dead. A 12th century hagiography puts the number of people to 33. One of the most popular stories about him is the one which involves shamrock. It is believed, Saint Patrick used a shamrock to explain the concept of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit of the Holy Trinity.
Here in USA, the biggest cultural festival of Ireland is celebrated as an occasion which involves consumption of large quantities of Whiskey, Guinness- the beer, corned beef and witnessing everything around you turn green- from rivers to the streets.
The day has evolved to be bigger than a religious gathering. It is widely celebrated not just in the Europe and America but across six continents of the world.
From literature and entertainment to gifts, there’s a lot that we can thank the Irish for. Some of their major global contributions made over the years are U2, Oscar Wilde and the list goes on. We are grateful to them for all of that and oh! The Irish whiskey. The feast of Saint Patrick turned from a day which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland to becoming a global event celebrating the rich heritage and culture of the Irish, here’s all that you can do this Saint Patrick’s Day.
The Virtual Saint Patrick’s Day
A virtual Saint Patrick’s Day means no parade of course. It would also mean less drinking and may be less eating as well? We doubt that! You can however engage in over 100 such virtual events around the Saint Patrick’s Day week. You can also make your children walk through the history of Ireland and the importance of this day. You can tell them how the feast of Saint Patrick was exported from Ireland to the United States and became a major event of the country for over two centuries now.
Irish Themed Cocktails
Irrespective of how you spent the day last year, you can surely take the party home in 2021. Keeping the safety and precautions in its due place. If Saint Patrick’s Day means inadvisable amounts of alcohol consumption then fear not to feel the inner Irish within you. It is estimated around 13 million pints of Irish dry stout- Guinness are consumed every year on Saint Patrick’s Day. Or you can try making your own cocktails with Irish flavors and essence. For garnishing, add some greens to your already green beer or whiskey. Try out a variety of Irish-themed drinks with Mint leaves, Cucumbers and more as add-ons.
Revisit Memories
Memories are made to be revisited. Since you are mostly likely staying indoors again, take a look back at all those moments you have created on this day of the preceding years with the people you love. Your memories are pandemic proof and one of the best ways to share it with others is through the medium of a 3D selfie. A 3D selfie is basically, 3D printed replica statues of you or your friends or of any event which holds a special place in your life. So, pandemic or not your celebrations should not stop.
Kubb Game Set
Like their promo says, ‘bring the fun to your backyard’- this wooden Kubb Game Set by Yard Games is surely a great tool for a fun, mental and physical exercise. Well, not just in your backyard, this portable game set can be carried from the beach to the mountains. Thus, it gives your Mom the chance to be a leader in and outside the house.
Irish Movie Marathon
Jason Momoa, also known as Aquaman or the immensely powerful Khal Drogo, once mentioned Guinness as his favorite drink. Just wanted to share this with you even though it has no relation with the heading. Just like that, you can binge watch a series of movies which may or may not be influenced by Irish legends or characters. There is also the animated series on Irish history and its famous people called, ‘Dodgy History of Ireland’. The purpose should be to have fun while paying your tributes to the Irish heritage at the same time.
Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate!
Around 500,000 people flock to Dublin each year for the Saint Patrick’s Day. This year however is not going to be any different than last year. Our motive should be to not let these hurdles play a spoilsport. Most activities around the festival will be held virtually. The event has been transformed into a six day long extravaganza which will culminate on the 17th of March. Let’s celebrate! Let’s celebrate with care and with the hope that we can all meet and wave at each other at the parade in the coming years!
