St Patrick’s Day
Hello and welcome to “Way Ahead”, your 100% English spoken podcast! I’m Fabio Emerim and today, we’re going to talk about St. Patrick’s Day, the popular Irish holiday that is celebrated around the world on this Friday!
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated today, on March 17th, the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, and it is marked by parades, parties, and other festivities.
The holiday has its roots in Ireland, where it has been celebrated for over a thousand years. Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious holiday, and it was a day for attending mass and abstaining from alcohol.
However, in the 20th century, St. Patrick’s Day evolved into a more secular celebration of Irish culture and identity. Today, people of all backgrounds and nationalities celebrate the holiday by wearing green, attending parades, and enjoying Irish food and drink.
One of the most iconic symbols of St. Patrick’s Day is the shamrock, a three-leafed plant that is said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity. The shamrock is often worn as a badge or a pin on St. Patrick’s Day, and it is also used as a decorative motif in many of the holiday’s celebrations.
Another important symbol of St. Patrick’s Day is the leprechaun, a mischievous fairy from Irish folklore who is often depicted as a small man wearing green clothing and a top hat. Leprechauns are said to be skilled cobblers who hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows, and they are often associated with good luck and fortune.
Remember when I told you St. Patrick’s Day is also celebrated with traditional Irish food and drink? Ok, but what food and drink am I talking about? Some of the most popular is corned beef and cabbage, as is Irish soda bread. Many people also enjoy drinking green beer, which is the beer that has been dyed green using food coloring.
St. Patrick’s Day is also known for its parades, which take place in many cities around the world. The largest and most famous St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in New York City, where more than two million people line the streets to watch the procession of marching bands, bagpipers, and floats.
Of course, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations aren’t just limited to parades and parties. Many people also take the opportunity to learn more about Irish culture and history. Whether it’s through reading Irish literature, watching Irish films, or visiting Irish landmarks, there are many ways to explore the rich and vibrant culture of Ireland.
So, why has St. Patrick’s Day become such a popular holiday around the world? One reason may be the strong sense of community and identity that it fosters. By celebrating Irish culture and heritage, people of Irish descent are able to connect with their roots and share their traditions with others.
But even if you’re not of Irish descent, St. Patrick’s Day can still be a fun and enjoyable holiday. It’s a chance to celebrate the coming of spring, to wear green and let loose, and to connect with friends and family over good food and drink.
That’s all for today’s episode of “Way Ahead”. I hope you enjoyed learning about St. Patrick’s Day. And now, if you excuse me, I’m heading for the nearest pub to have some green beer!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
