March 17th recognizes St. Patrick's Day.

This historical date according to Time Magazine celebrates, "the modest observance of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland dates back to the 17th century, as a religious feast day that commemorates the death of St. Patrick in the fifth century. Patrick is credited with having brought Christianity to Ireland, and as such became a figure of national devotion and, in due course, the nation’s patron saint. The day’s importance was confirmed in 1631 when it was recognized by the Vatican. "

The History of St. Patrick's Day

History.com stated that, "St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

Why is the Shamrock Associated with St. Patrick's Day?

Pictures from Logue's Irish Collection Room

The Farmer's Almanac commented that, "We wear a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day because, legend says, St. Patrick used its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity in his teachings. (The Trinity is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit as three divine persons who are one divine being [God].) The truth of the St. Patrick legend, however, is in question, as there is no direct record that the saint actually used the shamrock as a teaching tool."

St. Patrick's Day Facts, Fun and Folklore

Blue used to be the color originally associated with St. Patrick, but Green is now favored.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the American colonies was held in New York City on this day in 1762.

St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional day for planting peas, even in the snow! See our fun video on how to plant peas.

Cabbage seeds are often planted today, too, and old-time farmers believed that to make them grow well, you needed to plant them while wearing your nightclothes! See our Cabbage Growing Guide. No PJs required!

St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia: " An Irish Celebration of Freedom From the Beginning Through 1980," written by Dennis Clark- click here.

A Philadelphian St. Patrick's Day - click here.

Books in the Irish Collection

Logue Library has an extensive collection about all aspects of Irish civilization — literature, language, history and culture. Additionally, we have rare first edition literary works by major Irish authors. These books are located on the 2nd Floor of the library. If you search on the topic "Irish Collection," in Logue's Catalogue, you will get 3,853 results that present 3,335 eBooks and 519 Print Books.

If you search on the topic in Logue's Catalogue..

"St. Patrick's Day," you will get 24 results that present 12 eBooks and 12 Print Books. Additionally, the EBSCO Database has at least 26,600 articles for you to review.

Books on this topic...

Consuming St. Patrick's Day

by Jonathan Skinner and Dominic Bryan Format: eBook