Saint Patrick's Day

March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day (the other name is the Feast of Saint Patrick). St. Patrick is the most commonly recognized patron saint of Ireland.

Although the holiday has the Irish origin, it is also celebrated in Newfoundland, Labrador and Montserrat. The Irish diaspora around the world doesn't forget its origin and major celebrations are held in the United Kingdom, Canada, the USA, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand.

The holiday became an official Christian feast day in the 17th century. Modern celebration of Saint Patrick's Day involve parades and public festivals, céilithe and wearing green attire of shamrocks. Lenten restrictions of eating and drinking alcoholic beverages are lifted for the day.

It is said that St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, thus wearing shamrocks and green clothing is customary for the holiday celebration. Another popular custom was wearing the St. Patrick's Day Cross. This tradition was very popular during World War I era. These crosses are made of paper and covered with silk or ribbon and a bunch of rosette of green silk in the center.

Modern St. Patrick Day's celebration include parades and céilithe. Ale, beer and different snacks are sold on the streets. Although the holiday propagate consumption of alcohol, drinking alcoholic beverages is not obligatory. For instance, the pubs were closed at 5 p.m. on March 17 in the 1970s, when drinking got out of hand.