Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Did you know St. Patrick's Day was initially celebrated as a religious holiday in Ireland to honor St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, for over 1000 years? He was born in Roman Britain but kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland. After some time, he escaped but returned to Ireland to teach Christianity to the people. Sadly, he passed on March 17th, 461 AD.

Afterward, the people began celebrating his memory by attending morning service followed by drinks, dancing, and a feast in the afternoon. Then, Irish emigrants brought their traditions to the United States. Surprisingly, America held the first St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17th, 1601, in a Spanish colony now known as St. Augustine, Florida. Over the centuries, it has blossomed into a well-known celebration and national holiday in Ireland.