Celebrating the Green: The History of Saint Patrick's Day
Every March 17, people of Irish heritage (and those who are Irish for the day) all over the world celebrate the feast day of Saint Patrick. Parades, bagpipes, green beer and corned beef and cabbage mark the festivities of the day. But the origins of the feast day are religious, a Roman Catholic holy day of obligation. How did this religious day of prayer and reflection become one of the world's most celebrated holidays? This History Channel special presentation examines the origins and evolution of the holiday from a solemn religious observation to an annual rite of feasting, music and joviality. Celebrating the Green: The History of St. Patrick's Day would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture, Irish History and Culture, Religion, and Political Science. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
OBJECTIVES
Students will examine the origins of the feast day as well as the cultural message of the holiday. They will also learn the political implications of the holiday in respect to centuries-old turmoil between the Irish and the British regarding Irish colonization.
NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS
Celebrating the Green: The History of St. Patrick's Day fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for United States History eras 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; World History eras 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Discussion Questions
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It is said that St. Patrick's Day causes boundaries to come down. What does this mean? How does the holiday eliminate boundaries?
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Why is St. Patrick's Day associated with drinking? How does this further promote the stereotype of the Irish as drinkers?
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Corned beef and cabbage is the traditional dinner for St. Patrick's Day. How and where did this tradition begin?
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Discuss how the traditions of St. Patrick's Day are a mixture of the Old World and the New World.
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Patrick was born into a wealthy family of the Roman Empire. How did this privileged youth become a religious man?
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Discuss how St. Patrick attracted followers to Christianity by incorporating local customs with Christianity.
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St. Patrick's Day is associated with feasting and revelry. What are the origins of these celebrations?
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Describe the custom of 'drowning the shamrock.'
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Discuss how St. Patrick's day is a combination of Christian, Pagan and Gaelic traditions.
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What is the political symbolism of the shamrock?
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How did the St. Patrick Day celebrations come to America?
Extended Activities
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Cartoons are a time-honored tradition in American politics. Draw a political cartoon that illustrates the power of the Democratic 'Green Machine.'
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Create a poster or broadside celebrating Saint Patrick's Day.
Related Videos
Primary Sources
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ERIN GO BRAGH
(Ireland Forever)
I'll tell you a story of a row in the town,
When the green flag went up and the Crown rag came down,
'Twas the neatest and sweetest thing ever you saw,
And they played the best games played in Erin Go Bragh.
One of our comrades was down at Ring's end,
For the honor of Ireland to hold and defend,
He had no veteran soldiers but volunteers raw,
Playing sweet Mauser music for Erin Go Bragh.
Now here's to Tom Pearce and our comrades who died
Tom Clark, McDunna, McDurmott, McBryde,
And here's to Jan Connelly who gave one hurrah,
And placed the machine guns for Erin Go Bragh.
One brave English captain was ranting that day,
Saying,'Give me one hour and I'll blow you away,'
But a big Mauser bullet got stuck in his craw,
And he died of lead poisoning in Erin Go Bragh.
Old Kent and his comrades like lions at bay,
From the South Dublin Union poured death and dismay,
And what was their horror when the Englishmen saw
All the dead khaki soldiers in Erin Go Bragh.
Now here's to old Dublin, and here's her renown,
In the long generation her fame will go down,
And our children will tell how their forefathers saw,
The red blaze of freedom in Erin Go Bragh.
Air Dates
