St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It marks the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the 5th century. St. Patrick was a missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland. One of the most famous legends about him is that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland (metaphorically).
The holiday is deeply rooted in Irish culture and traditions. Green is the dominant color associated with St. Patrick’s Day, symbolizing Ireland (Emerald Isle) and the shamrock – the plant symbol of Ireland. The shamrock is said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
Parades are a major part of the celebrations, with the largest ones held in Dublin, New York, and Chicago. Chicago even dyes its river green every year in honor of the holiday. People wear green clothing and accessories to avoid being “pinched” – it’s a playful tradition this day.
Traditional Irish food, such as corned beef and cabbage, colcannon, soda bread and shepherd’s pie, is commonly eaten on this day. Irish music and dancing, including jigs and reels, are performed at celebrations. Many people also enjoy Irish drinks, such as Guinness beer.
Leprechauns, small mischievous fairies from Irish folklore, are often associated with the holiday. Some people believe that finding a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day brings good luck.
In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was traditionally a religious holiday, but today it is also widely celebrated as a cultural festival.
Many landmarks around the world, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building, Pisa Tower, Niagara Falls, Burj AI Arab, Christ the Redeemer monument in Brazil, Colosseum are lit up in green to celebrate.
Thus, St. Patrick’s Day brings people together to celebrate Irish heritage.
Students of ISTU college were glad to join the tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
First- and second-year students took a small journey to Ireland during their English lesson. They learned about the mesmerizing beauty of the landscapes, traditions of the celebration, the meaning of the main symbols of the holiday, and recalled famous Irish personalities. They were fascinated by the mastery of Irish dancers and the melodic depth of the Irish harp and bagpipes. Students also drew some parallels with the history of Ukraine, remembering Volodymyr the Great, who baptized Kyivan Rus.
The most active and creative students presented their posters! Well done! We do appreciate your efforts!
At the end of the journey, the students took part in a friendly photo session with colorful thematic sign plates and enjoyed golden chocolate coins from a magical pot – a Leprechaun hid it in the 404 classroom (not at the end of the rainbow) this day))).
The college administration, Nadiia Hlushko and Iryna Chyzh, attended an open lesson conducted in group Sc-52 by English teacher Viktoriia Velykozhon and they dived into the Irish atmosphere too.
Wishing you a pot of gold, and all the joy your heart can hold!
Stay Safe!
