Beat the drum, Patrick, beat the drum!

By Donna Anderson, Citizen Journalist

ALBANY — St. Patrick’s Day will be observed on March 17, a national holiday in Ireland that is celebrated by people in many countries around the world, including the United States. What is it that makes this day so special that people want to wear green, attend parades in large cities, and enjoy special activities?

Most likely, it is because there are so many facts and legends surrounding the holiday.

The special day is named for Saint Patrick, who was the patron saint of Ireland. However, Patrick was not born in Ireland. He was born in Great Britain during the fifth century. When he was 16, he was captured and sold into slavery. Some stories about him say that his captors were pirates or Irish warriors. Regardless, he was taken to Ireland and had to tend herds in harsh conditions. Patrick was a Christian and began to pray. His faith in God helped him to endure his bondage, and six years later, when he was 22, Patrick escaped and returned to his family.

He decided that he wanted to become a priest and spread the word of God to others. He lived in a monastery for 12 years but wanted to go back to Ireland and share God’s love with the people. He left his family and returned to the land where he had been held as a slave.

Patrick brought Christianity to parts of Ireland, as the people listened to him talk about his beliefs. However, he was opposed by the druids that did not share his beliefs and was attacked by them. But he managed to survive the attacks, and for more than 30 years he traveled in Ireland and was able to build more than 300 churches and schools.

We all learned of the legend of Patrick beating the drum and running all the snakes out of Ireland. Whether this happened or not, there are no snakes in Ireland.

St. Patrick also used the shamrock as a symbol to teach the Christian Trinity. It is a type of clover with three leaves that represent the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Shamrocks are always seen in abundance during this time of year to celebrate the holiday.

There are many fun stories that surround the holiday, like leprechauns looking for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. And a lot of people wear green that day; one is spotted without green had better watch out. They might get pinched.

There are many activities that are held during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Children often make shamrock headbands, make Irish dog hounds out of an upside-down shamrock, and enjoy Lucky Charms cereal. Many read Dr. Seuss’s beloved book “Green Eggs and Ham” and eat scrambled green eggs. Some listen to Irish music and dance a jig, enjoy a green milkshake, make green cupcakes or cookies, or make green slime.

And if you’re in Chicago, you can see the Chicago River with green dye in it. The green color replicates the greens in Ireland, the Emerald Isle. The tradition is held in conjunction with the big parade held in the Windy City. Closer to home, celebrants can go to Savannah and see the Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park. Savannah also will have a St. Patrick’s Day Parade that brings large crowds to celebrate.

In the midst of all the fun on St. Patrick’s Day, remember that it’s not all about shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows. There really was a man named Saint Patrick for whom the day is named. He devoted his life to service and spreading the Gospel. He loved the people, and they loved him. The holiday is dedicated to him.