What is the Origin of St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Thousands of years ago, a monster named Nian prowled the Chinese countryside...
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The name Carnaval might come from a Latin phrase meaning “to take away meat.”
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn how to pronounce the name of the Indian harvest festival of Lohri.Media Editor: Lee Goldstein
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.People come from all over the United States and all over the world to live in the Pacific Region of the U.S.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.So you're Irish! What does that mean?
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.What's the history of this traditional Irish dish?
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.During the Industrial Revolution, decisions such as Lochner v. New York exemplified the Court's pro-business stance.
News •
PHOTOS: 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade in Midtown Atlanta
• Oct. 20, 2026, 2:54 PM ET (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Who needs March? McKinney's brings St. Patrick's Day party to Lincoln in October
• Oct. 16, 2026, 7:00 PM ET (Lincoln Journal Star)
Transcript
Did You Know? St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day originated as the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.
It is celebrated annually on March 17.
Though the holiday was at first largely religious, 18th-century European immigrants to the United States brought St. Patrick’s Day traditions with them, and the holiday slowly became secularized.
U.S. cities with large Irish populations staged elaborate celebrations, with Boston beginning the tradition of an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737.
Though St. Patrick himself was associated with the color blue, St. Patrick’s Day became associated with green in reference to Ireland, and Irish and non-Irish people alike now celebrate in a number of ways, such as by wearing a green article of clothing, eating traditionally Irish food, and even drinking beer that has been dyed green.
Last Modification: