Holidays are religious, secular, professional, sports, etc. Each memorable date has its own history, is dedicated to an important event, or is associated with the name of a saint, statesman, national hero, writer, poet, other person significant to society.
Some celebrations are celebrated all over the world, others only in a particular country. But it also happens that the traditions of one people are of interest to representatives of other ethnic groups, and then the national holiday dates gradually become international. For example, March 17th. What holiday is celebrated on this day? Irish people and all who are not indifferent to Irish culture celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the end of the first month of spring .
history of the holiday
St. Patrick contributed to the spread of Christianity in the lands of Ireland. According to the official biography, he (before the churching - Mavin Sukkat) was born into the family of a Roman landowner and at the same time deacon Kalfurnius and a housewife in Concesa. Despite the fact that his father was a minister of the church, the boy did not seek to believe in God.
Life turned to the Almighty. At age 16, Mavin was enslaved to the Irish leader, and for six years he worked as a shepherd with the owner. Desiring to get freedom, the guy prayed frantically, and once the Lord gave an answer.
Having escaped from captivity, the young man returned home. Mavin later left his home and went to Gaul to serve God. A few years later, a talented young man was elevated to the rank of bishop and was named Patricius.
Returning to Ireland, St. Patrick took up missionary work. The bishop's convincing speeches contributed to the fact that more and more people converted to Christianity. Bloodless religious propaganda was beneficial to the local authorities, which was under the auspices of the Celtic priests.
The name of the saint is associated with many legends. The most common legends are about the appearance of Irish writing and the expulsion of snakes.
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day, it is dedicated to the day of the patron's death.
Holiday traditions
The celebration is based on the celebration of the saint. The Irish hold parades with a brass band. Festivities are held annually on March 17. What a holiday without a national Irish instrument - bagpipes ?! Also, event participants dress in green things and attach a shamrock to their clothes. On the example of this plant, the saint showed the unity of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That with the trefoil of St. Patrick interrupted the pagan ritual, the Irish composed the anthem, which is also performed at the festival.
Every year, leprechauns, mythological characters repairing shoes and guarding treasures, become the culprits of the celebration. According to legend, if you can catch a leprechaun, he may tell you where the pot of gold is stored. True, one cannot believe the word in cunning creatures.
Leprechauns have appeared recently. They were invented by manufacturers of postcards, since the symbol was required on March 17. What a holiday without congratulations? However, the image of the saint, in whose honor celebrations are held, is appropriate on the icons, but not on the greeting cards.
St. Patrick in other countries
Outside of Ireland, this holiday is not so much Christian as cultural. Admirers of Irish traditions put on national costumes, perform Irish dances, play bagpipes, and visit pubs.
March 17th St. Patrick's Day as a public holiday is celebrated in Northern Ireland and the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. Other states celebrate informally. Deserved honors are given to the saint in the USA, Australia, Argentina, Russia, etc.
In the Russian Federation, the initiative to arrange a festive parade was first made by Irish businessman Derek Keo. Since March 17, a holiday in Russia with a parade is held annually, with the exception of 1999 and 2000, when the country has not yet recovered from the financial crisis.
In addition to the parade, theme parties are organized at night clubs on St. Patrick's Day. DJs dress up in the patron saint of Ireland, put on folk songs. Visitors take Irish steppe lessons and enjoy a green beer.
The national Irish holiday helps to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, because the economic and cultural ties between Ireland and Russia are becoming stronger. The holiday celebrated on March 17 in Russia is an occasion to learn more about the culture of a friendly country.
On St. Patrick's Day, people walk and have fun, but church representatives criticize secular versions of the holiday, believing that it is necessary to honor the saint according to religious canons.
What dishes are prepared for the holiday
It is impossible to imagine celebrations without a feast. This also applies to March 17th. What a holiday without national cuisine? In Ireland, dinner is served in honor of the patron saint of the country with beef stewed in dark beer, lamb stew, fried lamb leg with root vegetables, chicken puff pastry pie and focaccia stuffed with cabbage, gruyere cheese and corned beef.
Who else is revered March 17
The Orthodox calendar lists the names of saints in whose honor children are named. On March 17, Alexander, Vyacheslav, George, Pavel, Ulyana, Julian, Julia, Vasily, Gerasim, Grigory, Egor, Kondrat, and Jacob celebrate birthday.
We especially honor Prince Daniel of Moscow on this day, numbered among the saints. The youngest son of Alexander of Macedon inherited power from his father. Daniel opposed wars, he was alien to the thirst for power. During the reign of the prince, not a single battle took place on Moscow lands, but many churches and monasteries appeared. The relics of Daniel were incorrupt. Therefore, the name day of March 17 is also celebrated by Danila. Boys bearing this name are distinguished by high intelligence, wide erudition and good self-control.
According to the Orthodox tradition, a child bearing the name of a saint is protected by his heavenly patron.