SAINT PATRICK’S DAY
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Irish Delight: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
They say everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day! I say you don’t have to be Irish to celebrate – because even Saint Patrick wasn’t Irish! He is however the patron saint of Ireland. To be a “patron saint” simply means the saint is a special guardian, protector, or supporter. In this case, Patrick was chosen by the country of Ireland as their special protector!
Let’s get ready to don shades of green and embrace the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day. Beyond the vibrant parades and shamrock-adorned celebrations lies the rich history of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
In this blog post, let’s uncover fun facts and legends about St. Patrick while sharing exciting ways for kids to join in the St. Patrick’s Day merriment.
The Legacy of St. Patrick
St. Patrick, born in Britain in the late 4th century, is widely celebrated for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave, he later escaped, only to return years later as a missionary. St. Patrick is credited with using the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, and his legacy is commemorated annually on March 17th.
Fun Facts and Legends about St. Patrick
Shamrock Symbolism: Legend has it that St. Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved clover, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Snakes of Legend: Folklore suggests that St. Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland. While this is likely symbolic, as Ireland never had snakes, it represents his efforts to rid the country of pagan beliefs.
Blue, Not Green: St. Patrick’s color was originally blue, but over time, green became associated with him. Green is now the iconic color of St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades: The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland but in the United States. The parade took place in New York City in 1762.
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions: Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious observance with restrictions lifted for a day of celebration. Today, it’s a global celebration of Irish culture.
Ways Kids Can Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
- Shamrock Crafts: Kick off the celebration with shamrock-themed crafts. Kids can create shamrock wreaths, paintings, or even shamrock headbands to wear throughout the day.
- Leprechaun Hunt: Organize a leprechaun hunt by hiding leprechaun cutouts or small toys around the house or yard. Kids can search for these mischievous beings in a fun and interactive scavenger hunt.
- Irish Dance Party: Turn on lively Irish music and host a dance party. Encourage kids to learn simple Irish dance steps or create their own dance routines inspired by the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
- Green Treat Baking: Channel the Irish spirit by baking delicious green treats. From green cookies to cupcakes, let kids get creative with their baking while enjoying tasty treats.
- St. Patrick’s Day Storytime: Explore the magic of St. Patrick’s Day through storytime. Choose books that share tales of leprechauns, shamrocks, and the celebration of Irish culture.
- DIY Leprechaun Trap: Engage in a creative and imaginative activity by building DIY leprechaun traps. Use household items to construct traps and see if any leprechauns are caught overnight.
- Green Outfit Parade: Encourage kids to dress in their most creative and festive green outfits. Host a mini St. Patrick’s Day parade at home, showcasing their green ensembles with pride.
- Irish Flag Craft: Teach kids about the Irish flag’s colors and symbolism. Let them create their own Irish flags using paper, markers, and craft supplies.
- Pot of Gold Toss Game: Set up a pot of gold toss game using a bucket or container as the “pot of gold” and gold-colored coins as the toss items. Kids can take turns trying to land their coins in the pot.
- Irish Language Exploration: Introduce kids to a few simple Irish phrases or words. Create a mini language exploration activity, teaching them how to say “hello,” “thank you,” or other basic phrases in Irish.
You can learn more fun facts about Saint Patrick and how we came to celebrate March 17th as St. Patrick’s day in our Video: St. Patrick’s Day Legends and Fun Facts
We also have a variety of resources that are sure to have your children BUZZING with excitement.
Some books to add to your library about Saint Patrick’s Day
- Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tommie DaPaola
- St. Patrick’s Day by Gail Gibbons
- Saint Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop by Ned Bustard
St. Patrick’s Day offers a splendid opportunity for kids to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Ireland, embrace creativity, and learn about the patron saint of the Emerald Isle. Through engaging activities and exploration, children can celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day while gaining a deeper appreciation for Irish traditions and legends. So, put on your greenest attire, gather the shamrocks, and let the Irish delight unfold! 🍀🌈✨
Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!
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