The History and Myths of St. Patrick's Day

 

The Central Library downtown has a St. Patrick's Day display on the 2nd floor in the youth department.

Today, Wednesday, March 17, 2021, is St. Patrick's Day. Caitlin Jackson, a teen librarian in the Central Library, designed a display in the youth department on the second floor that includes Irish-themed books available at the Birmingham Public Library.

For a link to St. Patrick's Day items available for checkout at BPL, click here. 

Jackson, using background found on National Geographic, shared her thoughts on the "Irish" holiday.

 "There is a belief that you are supposed to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. There are many different reasons why this tradition came about. Due to folklore, some people believe that if you don’t wear green, you will be pinched by leprechauns! Green makes you invisible to them. However, other traditions are that green represent good luck and Irish ancestry. So, if you can’t wear green this year, be pinch proof and carry green with you in the form of a book! 

 Here is some history behind St. Patrick's Day, courtesy of Britannica:

* Saint Patrick’s Day was a patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned about 432 to convert the Irish to Christianity.  By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools.

* Some of the traditions associated with St. Patrick are actually myths. For instance, you often see the  four-leaf clover on the holiday. However, according to legend, St. Patrick actually used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, as part of his teachings. It is possible for a shamrock to grow a fourth leaf, but a fourth leaf is seen as a symbol of luck.

* Many legends grew up around St. Patrick—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. 

BhamNow recently did a spotlight on St. Patrick's Day programs taking place across Birmingham this month. Click here to read 9 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Birmingham.

Click here for details on 2021 St. Patrick's Day programs taking place across the nation.