A happy little four leaf clover. Photo by Anyssa Margaret.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. In the United States, it has become a day for drinking, pinching non-green-wearing people, and “bullying” gingers. The holiday has, in recent years, also led some to believe negative stereotypes about the Irish.
The origin of St. Patrick’s Day started in the seventeenth century. The originally religious holiday is held on March 17 every year to commemorate the death of Saint Patrick. A Spanish colony held the first unofficial St. Patrick’s Day in Florida. The first St. Patrick’s Day was officially held in Ireland in 1737.
Soon, shop owners and bar owners realized there was a significant profit to be made from all the feasting and drinking the holiday generated. Soon, parades and individual celebrations were being held to boost profits. This is where the controversy of St. Patrick’s Day started; what was once a celebration of the life of a saint has become about mythical creatures, drinking, and food.
Irish stereotypes, anything green, and Guinness became prevalent in the ever-changing holiday. Soon after offensive outfits and harmful imitations of Irish culture followed, this holiday, like many others, has become an Americanized, commercialized holiday. We can see this in common St. Patrick’s Day phrases like “Kiss me, I’m Irish”. Nike was also criticized for creating a shoe to celebrate the holiday called the “Black and Tan.” Overlooking, or maybe just not caring, Black and Tan was a British militant group that repressed the Irish civilian revolution violently in 1920.
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday and can be celebrated respectfully. Be mindful of harmful stereotypes, and don’t drink and drive. It is always a good idea to be aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning. If someone is unconscious or in an emergency, always seek medical attention or call 911. If a person is conscious and alcohol poisoning is suspected, call 800-222-1222, and you will automatically be routed to your local poison control center.
