THE MAN OVER THE RAINBOW

SAINT PATRICK STATUE FROM THE GALWAY CATHEDRAL IN IRELAND; PHOTO BY MARISSA MOORE

St. Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated in Ireland in honor of St. Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints. St. Patrick’s Day was usually celebrated with religious services and feasts in the beginning of its time. St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, over 2,000 years ago. He was kidnapped at 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave; he was enslaved for 6 years before getting the courage to flee his master and to make a voyage home. He later returned to Ireland in 432 CE to convert the Irish to Christianity. St. Patrick is credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland and is the patron saint and national Apostle of Ireland. He is also known for being a part of the Christianization of the Picts and Anglo-Saxons. St. Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated in Ireland as a religious service and feast in honor of St. Patrick. They usually ate corned beef and cabbage with a cup or two of green beef. St. Patrick’s Day in the US is a little different. People wear green so they don't get pinched and usually celebrate with friends or family, but some people also don't celebrate it at all. The first parade in the US was held in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737. The next one was held in New York City in 1762. Also, since 1962, Chicago has colored its river green for the holiday. This year was the 69th year of them doing it. Although St Patrick's Day has a rich history of traditions all throughout the US, it is celebrated differently from person to person. Some people like Ms. Dalmasso celebrate St Patrick's day because of family. She celebrates because It's important to her mother-in-law who is the Irish mother of quad city her hometown. Dalmasso says “I'll really take any chance to see and spend time with family.” She also found out earlier this year that she is actually Irish too. I also talked to my favorite ginger in the school, Krissa, who doesn't celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. She said “It's not relevant to my life or my family's life so we don’t celebrate.” Next, I interviewed Charlotte who is a 10th grader at CCA High School who had similar responses with the fact that her family doesn't do anything for St. Patrick’s Day, but also that she's too young to really do anything fun for the holiday.