Why do we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day? Now, it is a day of green, leprechauns, rainbows, and corned beef and cabbage. But it wasn’t always what we know now.

Who is Saint Patrick? First of all, his name isn’t even Patrick. His name was Maewyn Succat. He wasn’t Irish either; he was born in Britain. Unfortunately, at the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders, who sold him to a Celtic priest as a slave to tend sheep. After six years as a shepherd, he escaped back to Britain, where he became a priest and traveled across Europe, studying Christianity for 16 years. He then traveled back to Ireland with a mission to convert the people of Ireland to Christianity.

While we are correcting our facts prior to the 1798 Irish Rebellion, blue, not green, was the traditional color associated with Ireland’s patron saint.

Most people don’t know that St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the Christianization of Ireland. Art teacher Whitney Robarge said, “I had no idea that St. Patrick’s Day was about Christianity necessarily. I just thought it was a fun day to celebrate being Irish.” She then went on to explain, “He basically traveled throughout the country and established Christian churches, schools, and monasteries. He used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity, which is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

Some people view Saint Patrick’s Day as unnecessary. Community member Angelina Arvizu said, “It’s just a reason to drink now. After the old traditions faded, there’s not really a point,” which is completely understandable.

On the other hand, some people, like science teacher Michael Radloff, said, “My wife’s family likes to do a bunch of stuff together. This year we are going to Texas.”

Community member Amanda Cooke said, “Every year, me and my kids dress head to toe in green and go to the parade in Madison. I also make corned beef and cabbage, my favorite.”

Whether you actually celebrate being Irish or just enjoy the activities, Saint Patrick’s Day can mean different things to different people. Have a very lucky Saint Patty’s Day!