With what started in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has grown to become an important tradition to communities around the world, including our very own here in Australia. The festival is significant in Australia as it not only celebrates the remembrance of Ireland’s Patron Saint but also recognises the valuable contributions and unique culture of the Irish-Australian community.
A Brief History of St. Patrick’s Day
With the first records dating as far back as the 17th century, the 17th of March is celebrated in honour of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Cities, such as Waterford and Dublin, were the first to organise special religious services and festivities involving feasts and bonfires.
Growing to a Global Event
A few hundred years later, the celebration crossed oceans as the 19th-century Irish immigrants brought the tradition with them to America’s shores and other countries, which paved the way for the occasion to become a globally celebrated event, not just for Irish and Catholic communities, but to those who enjoy the parades, merry-making and festivities as well.
All the Way to Australia
During the same period in the 19th century, when numerous Irish families and immigrants made this country their home, they brought the Irish tradition along with them. It is also believed that the earliest celebration record in Australia was held in 1910, organised by a group of Irish immigrants from Sydney. Since then, the holiday has grown to cross towns and borders, with festivals and celebrations happening from coast to coast.
Australians Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day as a way for people of Irish heritage to celebrate and reconnect with their roots, marking it with endless dancing, music, and colours of green. And being a multicultural country, people from other backgrounds can readily appreciate and celebrate the tradition with them, making the occasion increasingly popular.
Symbols and why all the Green?
With any other cultural celebration, especially that bourne of cultural mixes of deep ethnic roots and more modern traditions, it will most likely be associated with symbolisms that hail from different periods of the occasion’s birth and development.
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Shamrocks
With strong ties to its Catholic roots, the Shamrock was believed to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity visually. The Celtic communities understood the concept much more effortlessly. They made them embrace the culture since the number 3 already held a special significance with them because of their worship of triple deities.
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Green
No, Saint Patrick did not come adorned with green clothing. But green has become associated with the holiday thanks to the Shamrock. Also, during the mid-1600s, the colour green has become a symbol of Irish nationalism during the 1798 rebellion against the British.
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Leprechauns
As a beloved pillar of Irish folklore, we’re yet to see these mischievous fairies from just about any Irish celebration. The legend goes that whoever catches one of these will be granted three wishes in exchange for the leprechaun’s freedom. Along with their stories come the top hats, rainbows and pots of gold.
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The Harp
Since time immemorial, Celtic communities have used music as a way to pass along knowledge, wisdom and history to future generations. Not to downplay fiddles and pipes, but the harp has ever since held a special significance as a beautiful instrument and a unique national emblem.
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Celtic Knot
Early Christian manuscripts were adorned with Celtic Knots, most probably to infuse the local and Catholic traditions together. From crosses to architecture, all the way to artworks, the Celtic Knot is deeply associated with Irish culture and tradition.
Where to Celebrate in Australia
Australia is a great destination to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with plenty of options for those looking for a festive air.
In Sydney, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest in the country, with countless people lining the streets to gaze at the colourful floats and performances. There are also plenty of other activities in the city throughout the day, including live music, pub crawls, and traditional Irish food.
Melbourne and Brisbane both have their take on the occasion, with pubs hosting special events with live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Brisbane has a special parade through the city centre, complete with a marching band and traditional Irish dancers.
Adelaide also has several activities throughout the day, such as the Irish Dance Spectacular and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Some many pubs and bars will be packed with people enjoying a festive atmosphere.
No matter where you are in Australia, there are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and celebrate the Irish culture with the people of Australia!
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