All you need to know about Ireland patron saint day

dimeji akinloye

March 18, 2018 10:34 PM

Born in Roman Britain, Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16.

Every year, on March 17, the world celebrates

The Feast of Saint Patrick is a religious and cultural celebration in Ireland, Great Britain, Russia, Scotland, Switzerland, the United States and other parts of Africa, Asia, South and North America.

Born in Roman Britain, the young Patrick was kidnapped and sold into slavery by Irish raiders who robbed his family home when he was only 16 years old.

He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.

Since around the ninth or 10th century, people in Ireland have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17, even though he was never formally canonized by a pope.

Historically, the day falls during the Christian holy month of Lent. People would go to morning mass before afternoon and evening festivities. And, because many Christians fast from red meat and sometimes alcohol, Christian leaders still give special dispensation to enjoy corned beef and Guinness just for the St Patrick's Day.

Interestingly, however, the first parade held to honor St. Patrick's Day did not take place in Ireland but in the United States.

On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City - along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.

In celebration of the 2018 St. Patrick's Day, revelers trooped out en masse in Ireland and other parts of the world, including Nigeria.

The Abuja City Gate joined an impressive list of international tourist monuments lit up in honour of St. Patrick.

The Irish Embassy in partnership with Guinness Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory together witnessed the 'greening' of the Abuja City Gate.

With this, the Abuja City Gate joins the Great Wall of China, the Christ Redeemer Statue in Brazil, the Niagara Falls in Canada, and others in donning the Irish national colour on the historic day.

dimeji akinloye