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What Does Saint Patrick's Day Mean Today?
By:Sarah Maple

Unless you've been hiding under rock over the past few years, you have probably noticed that St. Patrick's day has been celebrated with increased zeal each time it rolls around. Celebrated on the 17th March (sometimes it is moved by the church, though will not be again until 2160), the date is said to be that of St. Patrick's death and is a national holiday inn Ireland. But what does the celebration really mean today?

Religion. For many, St. Patrick's Day still has many religious connotations and is an opportunity for Catholics to attend mass. If the 17th happens to fall on a Friday, some bishops allow the privilege to eat meat from which Catholics usually abstained. In terms of religion himself, St. Patrick was a Christian Missionary abroad and subsequently taught other Christians the best way to preach to pagan cultures. He is said to have converted thousands to the faith.

Green. Interestingly, St. Patrick was actually more famed for wearing blue. Instead, the relationship between the modern celebration and the colour green is said to have derived from the phrase 'the wearing of the green', which means to wear a shamrock (a long-time sign of Irish nationalism). St. Patrick often used the shamrock as a symbol to demonstrate the holy trinity during his preaching to non-Christians.

Alcohol. Today, St. Patrick 's Day is widely associated with drinking typically Irish alcohol, including: whiskey, Guinness stout, Baileys Irish Cream, and Irish Coffee. Realising the great potential of the tradition making increased sales in Irish goods, alcoholic drinks marketers have tried to promote their brands with particular incentives on and around the 17th March year on year. Guinness seems to have led the way, with merchandise and token schemes successfully enticing many revellers to drink excess amounts of the famous dark stout in celebration.

Parade. Many cities across the world host their own St. Patrick's Day parades. In the UK, the largest goes through Birmingham, but London and the small Scottish town of Coatbridge also have their own. In Chicago USA, the river is dyed green, and in 1966 environmentalists protested at the tradition affecting the river's goldfish population, forcing the ingredients of the dye to be changed. The volcanic island of Montserrat, which was founded by Irish refugees, also celebrates the 17th as a national holiday.

So, if you want to visit Ireland to take part in the festivities right at the heart of the action, you better book cheap flights now. Because on the 17th of March the world is looking towards Ireland with a big drunken smile!

Sarah Maple writes about travel, places, city breaks and package holidays http://www.gohop.ie/package_holiday_search.html






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