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| Boilerpipe Text | St. Patrick’s Day isn’t subtle. Every March 17, people don head-to-toe green, drink green beer, solicit kisses, march in over-the-top parades, and loudly proclaim their love of all things Irish. Heck, some cities even
turn their rivers bright green
! The
history of St. Patrick’s Day
explains how all these traditions came to be, but the holiday wasn’t always like this.
In fact, the day originally began as a much quieter observance. “It’s only in the last few decades that it’s become a big festival, mostly because of influence from America,” says Philip Freeman, a humanities professor at Seaver College and the author of
The World of St. Patrick
. Over the centuries, that simple commemoration slowly evolved, spreading far beyond Ireland and picking up new
traditions
along the way.
So how did a modest religious custom transform into the celebration we know and love today? Read on to find out.
Get
Reader’s
Digest
’s
Read Up newsletter
for more holidays, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?
Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images
At the heart of the holiday is St. Patrick, a Catholic saint from the 5th century whose life story inspired the celebration. Interestingly, St. Patrick didn’t start out in Ireland. “He was born and raised in Britain at the end of the Roman Empire [and] was kidnapped to Ireland as a teenager,” says Freeman. “He served as a slave there for seven years, then escaped and eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary.”
At the time, Ireland was largely shaped by Celtic pagan traditions, with local kings and spiritual leaders guiding religious life. And while St. Patrick wasn’t the only missionary working there, his efforts helped Christianity spread more widely across the island. And unlike early Christian figures, he wasn’t a martyr. Instead, his legacy grew because of the influence he had during his lifetime and the stories that followed. He also “became a nationalist symbol for independence from Britain in modern Ireland,” Freeman says.
After St. Patrick died, people in Ireland continued telling stories about him. Eventually, the Roman Catholic Church honored him as a saint, and the anniversary of his death, March 17, became a religious feast day. Because it falls during the Christian
season of Lent
, many Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate later in the day, setting aside Lenten restrictions to eat, drink and dance. Over time, that day of remembrance evolved into the
St. Paddy’s Day
celebration now recognized around the world.
How did St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start in the United States?
“St. Patrick’s Day came to America with Irish immigrants in the 1800s,” says Freeman. “They were treated badly here, so they began to celebrate the holiday as a great festival to honor their homeland and heritage.”
Those early celebrations gradually turned into large public events. One of the earliest recorded parades connected to the holiday took place in 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. More than a century later, the tradition gained momentum when New York City held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762.
After that, more parades, festivals and citywide traditions began spreading across the United States. You’ll now find massive celebrations featuring marching bands, bagpipes and, of course, crowds decked out in green. The holiday’s American popularity helped transform it into a global celebration of Irish culture, something that looks very different from its early roots.
What is the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day symbol?
San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
The shamrock, of course! It’s probably one of the first symbols that comes to mind. But don’t confuse it with a four-leaf clover. A shamrock is a three-leaf clover traditionally associated with Ireland and St. Patrick himself. And it might have to do with a legend in which St. Patrick used a three-leaf shamrock to explain the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity.
A
four-leaf clover
, on the other hand, is a rare variation with an extra leaf and is usually seen as a symbol of good luck. While both plants appear in Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day imagery, the three-leaf shamrock remains the true symbol most closely connected to the celebration.
How can you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
China News Service/Getty Images
According to Freeman, “St. Patrick himself would be surprised to see what his day has become.” From sharing
St. Patrick’s Day quotes
to telling a good ol’
St. Patrick’s Day joke
, there are various activities that are perfect for your St. Paddy’s celebration. Here are a few ways to honor the day.
Attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade
Parades are the most iconic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest civilian parade in the world and one of the largest, while Chicago is famous for dyeing its river green. Boston, Savannah and Philadelphia also host smaller but equally festive parades. Check your local listings to join the fun.
Wear green
Even if you skip the crowds,
wearing green
is an easy way to join in. The color comes from Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle,” and the shamrock. A green sweater, hat or even socks is all it takes to show your festive spirit.
Throw a St. Patrick’s Day party
Serve traditional Irish recipes for guests, like Irish soda bread or corned beef and cabbage. For dessert, bake something yummy and festive, like leprechaun cookies. And don’t forget to go all out with St. Patrick’s Day decorations, as well as raise a glass to Ireland.
Sláinte
!
Learn about Irish culture and history
Rona Proudfoot/Getty Images
They say everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day—but how much do you really know about Ireland? Pick up a
book by an Irish author
, watch a documentary or listen to a podcast. Knowing a bit about Ireland’s people and traditions makes the holiday even more fun, and hey, it gives you some trivia to share while waiting for your green beer.
What’s open and closed on St. Patrick’s Day?
Good news: St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a federal holiday in the United States, so most businesses will be open as usual. And if you’re worried about getting around, don’t stress—public transportation will still be running on its regular schedule.
That said, if you’re in a major city like New York, New Orleans, Boston or Seattle, be prepared for some traffic disruptions. St. Patrick’s Day parades can bring road closures and detours, so plan ahead if you’re heading out to celebrate.
Additional reporting by Mariah Thomas
.
About the expert
Philip Freeman
, PhD, is the Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and a professor of humanities at Seaver College at Pepperdine University in California. He completed his undergraduate work in classics and humanities at the University of Texas and earned a joint PhD in classics and Celtic studies from Harvard University. Freeman is also the author of a number of books on ancient and medieval studies, including
The World of St. Patrick
.
Why trust us
At
Reader’s Digest
, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the history of St. Patrick’s Day, Emma Taubenfeld tapped her experience covering holidays, lifestyle and historic content for
Reader’s Digest
. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our
team
, our contributors and our
editorial policies
.
Sources:
Philip Freeman
, PhD, Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and professor of humanities at Seaver College at Pepperdine University, and author of
The World of St. Patrick
; email interview, March 2, 2026
Britannica
: “St. Patrick’s Day”
History.com
: “History of St. Patrick’s Day”
Almanac
: “St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Who Was the Real St. Patrick?” | |||||||||
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# This Is the Real Reason We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—And Why It’s Always on March 17
tarabird/Getty Images
By [Emma Taubenfeld](https://www.rd.com/author/etaubenfeld/)
Updated on Mar. 09, 2026
Let's raise a glass to the history of St. Patrick’s Day and the man who started it all
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t subtle. Every March 17, people don head-to-toe green, drink green beer, solicit kisses, march in over-the-top parades, and loudly proclaim their love of all things Irish. Heck, some cities even [turn their rivers bright green](https://www.rd.com/article/chicago-river-green/)! The **history of St. Patrick’s Day** explains how all these traditions came to be, but the holiday wasn’t always like this.
In fact, the day originally began as a much quieter observance. “It’s only in the last few decades that it’s become a big festival, mostly because of influence from America,” says Philip Freeman, a humanities professor at Seaver College and the author of *The World of St. Patrick*. Over the centuries, that simple commemoration slowly evolved, spreading far beyond Ireland and picking up new [traditions](https://www.rd.com/list/st-patricks-day-good-luck-traditions/) along the way.
So how did a modest religious custom transform into the celebration we know and love today? Read on to find out.
**Get** ***Reader’s ***Digest**********’s****[**Read Up newsletter**](https://www.rd.com/newsletter/?int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_campaign=nlrda_20221001_topperformingcontentnlsignup&int_placement=incontent)**for more holidays, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.**
## What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?
Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images
At the heart of the holiday is St. Patrick, a Catholic saint from the 5th century whose life story inspired the celebration. Interestingly, St. Patrick didn’t start out in Ireland. “He was born and raised in Britain at the end of the Roman Empire \[and\] was kidnapped to Ireland as a teenager,” says Freeman. “He served as a slave there for seven years, then escaped and eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary.”
At the time, Ireland was largely shaped by Celtic pagan traditions, with local kings and spiritual leaders guiding religious life. And while St. Patrick wasn’t the only missionary working there, his efforts helped Christianity spread more widely across the island. And unlike early Christian figures, he wasn’t a martyr. Instead, his legacy grew because of the influence he had during his lifetime and the stories that followed. He also “became a nationalist symbol for independence from Britain in modern Ireland,” Freeman says.
After St. Patrick died, people in Ireland continued telling stories about him. Eventually, the Roman Catholic Church honored him as a saint, and the anniversary of his death, March 17, became a religious feast day. Because it falls during the Christian [season of Lent](https://www.rd.com/article/when-is-lent/), many Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate later in the day, setting aside Lenten restrictions to eat, drink and dance. Over time, that day of remembrance evolved into the [St. Paddy’s Day](https://www.rd.com/article/st-patty-vs-st-paddys/) celebration now recognized around the world.
## How did St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start in the United States?
ⓘ
[back to content](https://www.rd.com/article/when-is-st-patricks-day/)
“St. Patrick’s Day came to America with Irish immigrants in the 1800s,” says Freeman. “They were treated badly here, so they began to celebrate the holiday as a great festival to honor their homeland and heritage.”
Those early celebrations gradually turned into large public events. One of the earliest recorded parades connected to the holiday took place in 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. More than a century later, the tradition gained momentum when New York City held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762.
After that, more parades, festivals and citywide traditions began spreading across the United States. You’ll now find massive celebrations featuring marching bands, bagpipes and, of course, crowds decked out in green. The holiday’s American popularity helped transform it into a global celebration of Irish culture, something that looks very different from its early roots.
## What is the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day symbol?
San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
The shamrock, of course! It’s probably one of the first symbols that comes to mind. But don’t confuse it with a four-leaf clover. A shamrock is a three-leaf clover traditionally associated with Ireland and St. Patrick himself. And it might have to do with a legend in which St. Patrick used a three-leaf shamrock to explain the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity.
A [four-leaf clover](https://www.rd.com/article/four-leaf-clover/), on the other hand, is a rare variation with an extra leaf and is usually seen as a symbol of good luck. While both plants appear in Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day imagery, the three-leaf shamrock remains the true symbol most closely connected to the celebration.
## How can you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
China News Service/Getty Images
According to Freeman, “St. Patrick himself would be surprised to see what his day has become.” From sharing [St. Patrick’s Day quotes](https://www.rd.com/list/st-patricks-day-quotes/) to telling a good ol’ [St. Patrick’s Day joke](https://www.rd.com/article/st-patricks-day-jokes/), there are various activities that are perfect for your St. Paddy’s celebration. Here are a few ways to honor the day.
### Attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade
Parades are the most iconic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest civilian parade in the world and one of the largest, while Chicago is famous for dyeing its river green. Boston, Savannah and Philadelphia also host smaller but equally festive parades. Check your local listings to join the fun.
### Wear green
Even if you skip the crowds, [wearing green](https://www.rd.com/article/wear-green-st-patricks-day/) is an easy way to join in. The color comes from Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle,” and the shamrock. A green sweater, hat or even socks is all it takes to show your festive spirit.
### Throw a St. Patrick’s Day party
Serve traditional Irish recipes for guests, like Irish soda bread or corned beef and cabbage. For dessert, bake something yummy and festive, like leprechaun cookies. And don’t forget to go all out with St. Patrick’s Day decorations, as well as raise a glass to Ireland. [Sláinte](https://www.rd.com/article/slainte/)\!
### Learn about Irish culture and history
Rona Proudfoot/Getty Images
They say everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day—but how much do you really know about Ireland? Pick up a [book by an Irish author](https://www.rd.com/list/irish-authors/), watch a documentary or listen to a podcast. Knowing a bit about Ireland’s people and traditions makes the holiday even more fun, and hey, it gives you some trivia to share while waiting for your green beer.
## What’s open and closed on St. Patrick’s Day?
Good news: St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a federal holiday in the United States, so most businesses will be open as usual. And if you’re worried about getting around, don’t stress—public transportation will still be running on its regular schedule.
That said, if you’re in a major city like New York, New Orleans, Boston or Seattle, be prepared for some traffic disruptions. St. Patrick’s Day parades can bring road closures and detours, so plan ahead if you’re heading out to celebrate.
*Additional reporting by Mariah Thomas*.
| |
|---|
| About the expert **Philip Freeman**, PhD, is the Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and a professor of humanities at Seaver College at Pepperdine University in California. He completed his undergraduate work in classics and humanities at the University of Texas and earned a joint PhD in classics and Celtic studies from Harvard University. Freeman is also the author of a number of books on ancient and medieval studies, including *The World of St. Patrick*. |
##
## Why trust us
At *Reader’s Digest*, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the history of St. Patrick’s Day, Emma Taubenfeld tapped her experience covering holidays, lifestyle and historic content for *Reader’s Digest*. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our [team](https://www.rd.com/our-editorial-team/), our contributors and our [editorial policies](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/).
## **Sources:**
- [Philip Freeman](https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/faculty/philip-freeman/), PhD, Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and professor of humanities at Seaver College at Pepperdine University, and author of *[The World of St. Patrick](https://www.amazon.com/World-Saint-Patrick-Philip-Freeman/dp/0199372586)*; email interview, March 2, 2026
- [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day): “St. Patrick’s Day”
- [History.com](https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day): “History of St. Patrick’s Day”
- [Almanac](https://www.almanac.com/content/st-patricks-day): “St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Who Was the Real St. Patrick?”
[ chelovek/Getty ImagesWhat Does Erin Go Bragh Mean?](https://www.rd.com/article/what-does-erin-go-bragh-mean/)
[ Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty ImagesMarch Holidays and Observances](https://www.rd.com/article/march-holidays/)
[ EyeEm/gettyimagesSt. Patrick’s Day Memes That Shamrock](https://www.rd.com/list/happy-st-patricks-day-meme/)
Author
Emma Taubenfeld
Emma Taubenfeld is a former assistant editor for Reader’s Digest who writes about digital lifestyle topics such as memes, social media captions, pickup lines and cute pets. When she’s not working, you can find Emma reading corny young adult novels, creating carefully curated playlists and figuring out how to spice up boxed mac and cheese.
[Read More](https://www.rd.com/author/etaubenfeld/)
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| Readable Markdown | St. Patrick’s Day isn’t subtle. Every March 17, people don head-to-toe green, drink green beer, solicit kisses, march in over-the-top parades, and loudly proclaim their love of all things Irish. Heck, some cities even [turn their rivers bright green](https://www.rd.com/article/chicago-river-green/)! The **history of St. Patrick’s Day** explains how all these traditions came to be, but the holiday wasn’t always like this.
In fact, the day originally began as a much quieter observance. “It’s only in the last few decades that it’s become a big festival, mostly because of influence from America,” says Philip Freeman, a humanities professor at Seaver College and the author of *The World of St. Patrick*. Over the centuries, that simple commemoration slowly evolved, spreading far beyond Ireland and picking up new [traditions](https://www.rd.com/list/st-patricks-day-good-luck-traditions/) along the way.
So how did a modest religious custom transform into the celebration we know and love today? Read on to find out.
**Get** ***Reader’s ***Digest**********’s****[**Read Up newsletter**](https://www.rd.com/newsletter/?int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_campaign=nlrda_20221001_topperformingcontentnlsignup&int_placement=incontent)**for more holidays, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.**
## What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?
Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images
At the heart of the holiday is St. Patrick, a Catholic saint from the 5th century whose life story inspired the celebration. Interestingly, St. Patrick didn’t start out in Ireland. “He was born and raised in Britain at the end of the Roman Empire \[and\] was kidnapped to Ireland as a teenager,” says Freeman. “He served as a slave there for seven years, then escaped and eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary.”
At the time, Ireland was largely shaped by Celtic pagan traditions, with local kings and spiritual leaders guiding religious life. And while St. Patrick wasn’t the only missionary working there, his efforts helped Christianity spread more widely across the island. And unlike early Christian figures, he wasn’t a martyr. Instead, his legacy grew because of the influence he had during his lifetime and the stories that followed. He also “became a nationalist symbol for independence from Britain in modern Ireland,” Freeman says.
After St. Patrick died, people in Ireland continued telling stories about him. Eventually, the Roman Catholic Church honored him as a saint, and the anniversary of his death, March 17, became a religious feast day. Because it falls during the Christian [season of Lent](https://www.rd.com/article/when-is-lent/), many Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate later in the day, setting aside Lenten restrictions to eat, drink and dance. Over time, that day of remembrance evolved into the [St. Paddy’s Day](https://www.rd.com/article/st-patty-vs-st-paddys/) celebration now recognized around the world.
## How did St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start in the United States?
“St. Patrick’s Day came to America with Irish immigrants in the 1800s,” says Freeman. “They were treated badly here, so they began to celebrate the holiday as a great festival to honor their homeland and heritage.”
Those early celebrations gradually turned into large public events. One of the earliest recorded parades connected to the holiday took place in 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. More than a century later, the tradition gained momentum when New York City held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762.
After that, more parades, festivals and citywide traditions began spreading across the United States. You’ll now find massive celebrations featuring marching bands, bagpipes and, of course, crowds decked out in green. The holiday’s American popularity helped transform it into a global celebration of Irish culture, something that looks very different from its early roots.
## What is the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day symbol?
San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
The shamrock, of course! It’s probably one of the first symbols that comes to mind. But don’t confuse it with a four-leaf clover. A shamrock is a three-leaf clover traditionally associated with Ireland and St. Patrick himself. And it might have to do with a legend in which St. Patrick used a three-leaf shamrock to explain the Christian idea of the Holy Trinity.
A [four-leaf clover](https://www.rd.com/article/four-leaf-clover/), on the other hand, is a rare variation with an extra leaf and is usually seen as a symbol of good luck. While both plants appear in Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day imagery, the three-leaf shamrock remains the true symbol most closely connected to the celebration.
## How can you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
China News Service/Getty Images
According to Freeman, “St. Patrick himself would be surprised to see what his day has become.” From sharing [St. Patrick’s Day quotes](https://www.rd.com/list/st-patricks-day-quotes/) to telling a good ol’ [St. Patrick’s Day joke](https://www.rd.com/article/st-patricks-day-jokes/), there are various activities that are perfect for your St. Paddy’s celebration. Here are a few ways to honor the day.
### Attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade
Parades are the most iconic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest civilian parade in the world and one of the largest, while Chicago is famous for dyeing its river green. Boston, Savannah and Philadelphia also host smaller but equally festive parades. Check your local listings to join the fun.
### Wear green
Even if you skip the crowds, [wearing green](https://www.rd.com/article/wear-green-st-patricks-day/) is an easy way to join in. The color comes from Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle,” and the shamrock. A green sweater, hat or even socks is all it takes to show your festive spirit.
### Throw a St. Patrick’s Day party
Serve traditional Irish recipes for guests, like Irish soda bread or corned beef and cabbage. For dessert, bake something yummy and festive, like leprechaun cookies. And don’t forget to go all out with St. Patrick’s Day decorations, as well as raise a glass to Ireland. [Sláinte](https://www.rd.com/article/slainte/)\!
### Learn about Irish culture and history
Rona Proudfoot/Getty Images
They say everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day—but how much do you really know about Ireland? Pick up a [book by an Irish author](https://www.rd.com/list/irish-authors/), watch a documentary or listen to a podcast. Knowing a bit about Ireland’s people and traditions makes the holiday even more fun, and hey, it gives you some trivia to share while waiting for your green beer.
## What’s open and closed on St. Patrick’s Day?
Good news: St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a federal holiday in the United States, so most businesses will be open as usual. And if you’re worried about getting around, don’t stress—public transportation will still be running on its regular schedule.
That said, if you’re in a major city like New York, New Orleans, Boston or Seattle, be prepared for some traffic disruptions. St. Patrick’s Day parades can bring road closures and detours, so plan ahead if you’re heading out to celebrate.
*Additional reporting by Mariah Thomas*.
## About the expert
- **Philip Freeman**, PhD, is the Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and a professor of humanities at Seaver College at Pepperdine University in California. He completed his undergraduate work in classics and humanities at the University of Texas and earned a joint PhD in classics and Celtic studies from Harvard University. Freeman is also the author of a number of books on ancient and medieval studies, including *The World of St. Patrick*.
## Why trust us
At *Reader’s Digest*, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the history of St. Patrick’s Day, Emma Taubenfeld tapped her experience covering holidays, lifestyle and historic content for *Reader’s Digest*. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our [team](https://www.rd.com/our-editorial-team/), our contributors and our [editorial policies](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/).
## **Sources:**
- [Philip Freeman](https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/faculty/philip-freeman/), PhD, Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture and professor of humanities at Seaver College at Pepperdine University, and author of *[The World of St. Patrick](https://www.amazon.com/World-Saint-Patrick-Philip-Freeman/dp/0199372586)*; email interview, March 2, 2026
- [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day): “St. Patrick’s Day”
- [History.com](https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day): “History of St. Patrick’s Day”
- [Almanac](https://www.almanac.com/content/st-patricks-day): “St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Who Was the Real St. Patrick?” | |||||||||
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