Introduction: History, Celebration, Thesis Statement
Saint Patrick was the archetypal missionary. Identified as the individual who brought Christianity to Ireland, this patron saint is now celebrated the world over, a reflection of both the recognition of his deeds, and the strength of the Irish Diaspora. The historical circumstances in medieval times through to the industrial revolution in Europe and later the New World reveals that the folklore surrounding St. Patrick is located in the struggle for Irish identity. Framed in this context, this paper poses the following thesis statement: Why is St Patrick’s Day recognized and celebrated around the world, in comparison to other saints who identify with particular countries or cultures?
As alluded to above, the Irish Diaspora has had a role in this global spread, yet it is important consider other facets, such as the actual writings of Saint Patrick. An analysis of these documents will also show that his message was unique and that his piety and determination were contributing factors to the respect St. Patrick bestowed on Christians for the centuries that followed.
Unbeknownst to most, St. Patrick was not born in Ireland. Saint Patrick was born in England in the late fourth century and was characterized as belonging to the affluent Roman community. At the young age of 16 he was abducted by slave traders and brought to Ireland. There for six years, he immersed himself in the culture learning the language and Irish customs. He escaped and was reunited with his family. It was during this escape – or shortly thereafter – that Patrick wrote of his account and that God’s presence was his guiding light during the perilous journey home. During a perilous moment in the journey he states to the others, “Be converted by faith with all your heart to my Lord God, because nothing is impossible for him, so that today he will send food for you on your road, until you be sated, because everywhere he abounds.”
Later reunited with his family, he pursues studies in theology and joins the clergy. Patrick’s knowledge of the Irish language later prompted Pope Celestine to send him across the Irish sea in hopes of converting some of the island’s pagan communities. This proved successful and over the years the number of converts swelled tremendously in Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s devotion to God is captured in his Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus, one of only two known accounts of his writings. In this short letter Patrick admits to the challenges he faces in his adopted home:
I speak out too for love of my neighbors who are my only sons; for them I gave up my home country, my parents and even pushing my own life to the brink of death. If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me.
The premise behind this letter is to demonstrate Patrick’s devotion to God and the deeds for which he has given his life, and to the soldiers of Corticus, who Patrick describes as “demons” and “apostates,” after having witnessed their brutality against women and converts. He goes on to say, “these are not my words, but God’s own words-and the apostle’s and the prophets’ whom have never lied” and that his aim is for another servant of God to “carry this letter forward; may it never be hidden or stolen by anyone, but rather, may it be read aloud before the whole people-Yes, even when Coroticus himself is present.”
In both the Confessio and Letter, we see that the perils faced by Saint Patrick were perceived by him as tests from God. Through his devotion, he could persevere in this world and in God’s kingdom. As such, the lessons learned from his writings are those of courage, perseverance, and faith in God.
St. Patrick’s Day and Contemporary Society
Patrick died on March 17, 461 at the age of approximately 75. At this point it is believed he had converted thousands of Irish men and women to Christianity. Several centuries later as his legend grew his death was anointed as a feast day among Christians. Today it is recognized by the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland (Anglican), the Lutheran Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The wearing of green is rooted to the alleged use of the shamrock by St. Patrick as a reflection of God’s intervention to demonstrate the importance of the Holy Trinity.
Through the Industrial Revolution, thousands of Irish went abroad to the New World in pursuit of prosperity, particularly in the cities of New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Positioned as minorities relative to the large population of those of English heritage, the Irish were subject to discrimination and subjugation as second class citizens. Over time, however, their numbers grew, and solidarity followed. Maintaining their cultural traditions was evidenced by the building of Catholic churches in urban centres and observing holidays or feasts such as St. Patrick’s Day. Amidst growing tensions between those who identified as American citizens, British subjects and Irish rebels, there was cause to gain legitimacy by these varying groups. In 1762, Irish soldiers, who oddly, were serving under King George, organized the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. Two hundred and fifty years later it is recognized as the largest parade in the United States and draws approximately two million participants and attendees annually.
The popularity of the parade has spread particularly in North America where there are approximately 85 million inhabitants of both Canada and the United States who identify as having Irish blood. Ancestry aside, it has been elevated as an event that celebrates Irish heritage and acts as a reminder of the multiple ethnicities that make up the “New World.” In fact, the popularity of the parade has spurred other parades respecting cultural heritages, and other representations of identity to flourish. Toronto celebrates Caribana, a festival honoring those of Caribbean ancestry drawing over one million attendees, Cinco de mayo is celebrated across the United States in honor of Latino heritage and Pride parades are found in major urban centres during the summer months across North America.
St. Patrick’s Day has also become highly commercialized and associated with the consumption of alcohol. It is conventional to drink green beer and adorn green clothing. In Ireland it is a national holiday. The commercialization of the holiday is really a phenomenon of that has emerged in the second half of the 20th Century, much like many other festivals of varying cultural or religious origins.
Yet, oddly, St. Patrick’s Day has global appeal, unlike other holidays of a religious nature, with the exception of Christmas, of course. Is it the fact that it is an Anglo-Saxon phenomenon? Not so, according to John Jungclaussen. He laments the fact that among the Anglo-Saxon nations of Ireland and the United Kingdom there are other notable saints that are celebrated nationally. He points to St. David’s Day in Wales (March 1st) and St. Andrew’s Day in Scotland (November 30th). Although the point of his article is to criticize the English for failing to designate a holiday to celebrate St. George’s Day (April 23rd), another point is raised from this article.
What then is the appeal of St. Patrick’s Day? A cursory review of the other listed saints reveals that, by comparison, none seemed to have the impact over a nation as did St. Patrick. St. David is probably the least remarkable, noted for having been an apt teacher and preacher, and having resided over the construction of varying places of worship. St. Andrew is celebrated by seven different countries spread across western Europe, eastern Europe and even Barbados. His appeal, though broad is uneven with fewer accounts of his deeds, and that they are recognized differently across Anglican and Orthodox traditions. Finally, St. George was best known for his bravery having fought for England in varying wars including the crusades. Like St. Patrick, he was not a native of the country for which he is revered.
Conclusions
If we return to the question posed at the beginning of this paper, I asked, Why is St Patrick’s Day recognized and celebrated around the world, in comparison to other saints who identify with particular countries or cultures?
A review of the literature did not reveal a definitive answer.
In closing this paper, I offer my own interpretation with some emphasis on the unique contributions made by St. Patrick to the Christian faith. Although born of privilege, Patrick was abducted and forced into slavery. Amidst these challenges, he saw God as a means of sanctuary and hope. His firsthand accounts in Confessio and Letter, he reveals a deep understanding of God’s plan, and his role to carry this out. His predicament in Ireland early on and later in life reveal a sense of purpose, rather than fear. His faith of God is unbending. When reunited with his family, he realizes that there is a greater mission for him to evangelize in Ireland, and accepts the task from the Pope. His life is a reflection of true sacrifice. Although he died at an old age, and presumably of natural causes, his life, in many ways reflects that to whom the faith is based, Jesus.
How far St. Patrick’s faith, piety and strength are factors in how he is revered by the Irish and how this has transitioned to an event that is celebrated globally remain unclear. Yet, it is worth further investigation to ponder how deeply understood are the religious deeds of St. Patrick and his role in spreading the Christian faith to Ireland, and the Irish around the world.
