History, of St. Patrick
Every year on March 17th, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick’s Day. The day all revolves around a saint that wasn’t even Irish. Patrick was born in England, kidnapped by Irish Raiders, put in captivity for 6 years and become a missionary for Ireland.
It wasn’t until many years later after his death he became the patron of Ireland. He is well-known for his legends of banishing all the snakes from Ireland and explaining the Holy Trinity using a shamrock. In the 18th century a shamrock was worn to signify the Irish Christian pride. This led to wearing green clothes that we still partake in today.
A once small religious holiday that kept pubs closed for 6 decades because the holiday fell during Lent, has become a public holiday since 1903 that is celebrated with traditional cuisine and lots of green beer.
My time in London
A couple years ago, on my first ever solo backpacking experience, I spent St. Patrick’s Day in London, England. I know that is kind of controversial looking at the title; however I spent it with 3 Germans, in an English hostel. There were quite a number of English folk’s there as well. So it wasn’t totally off. The bar had very low ceilings, as if it was designed for leprechauns. It was cold and damp as well as packed with people nursing their drinks and making new friends.
I’ll tell you I’m personally not a big drinker, I like to go out and have a fun time, have a couple beers and call it a night.
I always try to never getting drunk.
Then I met these two German girls and another solo German guy in the hostel bar. Sitting there talking with the 3 of them, and the occasional conversation with other people there, the girls slipped out, they came back with green beer for the 4 of us, and 2 tequila shots. I looked at them like they were half insane, and they looked at me like I was from North America (which I am), then said drink up it was St. Patrick’s Day. On St. Patrick’s Day you have to have green beer, but that won’t get you drunk.
I drank the tequila shots, my only time having tequila before was in Mexico (by right’s where you should try tequila). Then washed it down with the beer. St. Patrick’s Day didn’t stop there though. There was more beer to be had, and yet another Tequila to consume.
I will say, up until this point I had never drank so much in my life. I could definitely feel it. We all laughed the night away, and had a wonderful time, and cheer’s to not getting hangovers easily, as I woke up feeling fine.
I love having the opportunity to travel, to meet new people, make new friends and celebrate different traditions alongside each other. Something leaves memories there that one never forgets. It’s those experiences you look back on and almost want the moments to last forever. London was one of them.
College days
As I was drinking I was thinking of back to when I was in college for St. Patrick’s Day, and half my class (not me) went to the school bar at lunch. They all came back to class drunk and I must say it was a very noisy class, in which we didn’t get a lot done. I felt like I was in an Irish pub. However this time, in London, I was drinking as well.
I think its funny how international of an event St. Patrick’s Day has become. I mean really though, there are Irish bars everywhere. I think for such a small country, they have such a global population. Everybody knows them for their drinking, and partying. Of course the Germans and Australians tend to be the same. A friend of mine spent St. Patrick’s Day that year in Dublin; she said that was quite a party. Something I hope to be able to experience, along with Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
I wish you all a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day, wherever you are in the world. Mine will be fairly low key this year, which is okay, I’m saving it for Dublin.
Please let me know in the comments, of your craziest St. Patrick’s Day. As well as let me know what you are up to.
Hi I am Charlie a writer and nomad travel blogger, discovering new places around the world. Four years after making it to partner in one of Orlando’s top business law firm, I quit. Yes, I packed up our stuff, ate my final breakfast at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, loaded my bags, and headed out to discover the rest of USA
I am a fan of photography, travel, and arts. I’m also interested in volunteering and cars.
Charlie On The Move Travel Diary 