SASKATOON – St. Patrick’s Day marks a day of the year when we can all join with the Irish and celebrate by wearing green. But where did the traditions all begin?
According to Saskatoon Irishman Hugh Brennan, it all started in the fifth century.
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“It’s not recorded in print anywhere so there’s a lot of speculation. There may have been more than one St. Patrick because Patricius was a common Roman name,” says Brennan.
Surprisingly, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish. His connection to the country came from a rough start.
“He was abducted as a young boy and sold as a slave in Ireland. Slavery was very common in those days. He ended up in the northern part of the island and managed to escape when he was somewhat older and able to think for himself,” says Brennan.
After escaping legends say he studied to become a priest and then returned to Ireland to spread Christianity.
The shamrock, a symbol of St. Paddy’s day became associated with the priest after using it to describe the Holy Trinity.
“You know the Christian belief that there is a trinity; God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Patrick used the three leaves as a way of explaining. It’s one plant, but you have the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The shamrock became the symbol.”
Many Saskatonians may not be celebrating the religious side of St. Patrick’s day, but they do savour the cultural side by contributing to the 13-million pints of Guinness consumed around the world each year on this day.
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