Saint Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday celebrated throughout the world. Held on March 17, Saint Patrick's Day marks the day Saint Patrick—the patron saint of Ireland—died, during the 5th century. This day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, but also more generally the heritage and culture of the Irish. On this day, people typically wear green and visit a parade. Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other festival, making it one of the most popular holidays. Turn your classroom into a green haven as you take part in this widely celebrated holiday.
Celebration
Saint Patrick's Day parades originated in North America during the 18th century. They didn't start celebrating with parades in Ireland until the 20th century. A typical Saint Patrick's Day parade will have marching bands, the military, firefighters, organizations, youth groups, fraternities, and law enforcement. In Ireland, the week of Saint Patrick's Day is Irish language week. Participants spend this week speaking in the Irish language.
Set up your classroom for Saint Patrick's Day. Have a class parade, create a craft corner, and try your hand at speaking the Irish language—Gaelic.
Check out our pinterest board for some great Saint Patrick Day craft ideas: www.pinterest.com/classroomcompletepress/st-patricks-day-crafts/
Traditions
Different places celebrate different traditions on Saint Patrick's Day. Typically, those who celebrate wear green or shamrocks. The color green is associated with Ireland and has become the official color for Saint Patrick's Day. A shamrock is a three-leaved clover. Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to the Irish. From there, it had become the national symbol of Ireland.
As a class, research different celebrations and traditions of Saint Patrick's Day from around the world. In Ireland, you'll learn that Saint Patrick's Day is actually a public holiday. In the United States, the Chicago River is dyed green every year. On the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield took a photograph of Ireland from Earth's orbit to celebrate the day.
Click an image for more great Saint Patrick's Day lesson plans from our selection of ready-made resources:
