Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

While St. Paddy's Day has long been a good excuse to drink Guinness and Bailey's Irish Cream - not that anyone really needs an excuse - the history of the holiday traditionally has been about religion.

History of St. Patrick's Day

Observed on March 17^th each year, St. Patrick's Day is an annual feast celebrating St. Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland who, according to legend died on March 17^th. He was believed to have lived in the fourth century and is often credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Probably best known for driving the snakes from Ireland, many believe that because it is an island there may never have been any snakes in the first place. However, the importance of this act centers on the abolishment of pagan religions which commonly worshipped serpent symbols in their ceremonies.

Celebrated by Irish and non-Irish around the world, St. Patrick's Day is associated with the wearing of the green, eating traditional Irish food, and the famous St. Paddy's Day parade. To those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

Traditional Celebrations of St. Paddy's Day

While many cities around the U.S. have their own unique way of celebrating St. Patrick's Day, you shouldn't feel left out just because you can't see the green river of Chicago first hand or enjoy the festivities in Boston, home to one of the largest Irish populations in the country.

Feel free celebrate in your own way. In fact, here are ten things for you to do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your hometown.

-Start by wearing a bit of the green to avoid being pinched. It can be anything from a green shirt to a clover-shaped lapel pin, just make sure to display it proudly.-Eat Irish food such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread.

-Have an Irish coffee or other celebratory beverage with your friends either at your favorite watering hole or in your living room.

-Listen to Irish music and do a jig. You can find yourself a pub (or bar) in your neighborhood and just feel free to enjoy yourself at home.

-Enjoy a St. Patrick's Day parade in your area.

-Learn to play the bagpipes or find someone who already does and have them play for you.

-Read Irish authors such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.

-Make a cake with green frosting and share it with your friends.

-Enjoy a concert of Irish music and dance such as Bit of the Irish at thSanta Monica Playhouse in the L.A. area.

-Attend an Irish Faire in your area. Check out the one in Los Angeles.

Wherever you live, get in the spirit. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your neighborhood.