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50 Shades of Green

Posted 03/16/2013 by Savannah Orth
Shamrocks, glitter, lots of green, parades, traditions, parties, and stories of leprechauns are what come to mind when I hear Saint Patrick’s Day. On March 17th, people all over the world will celebrate the death of Saint Patrick, the man who brought Christianity to Ireland. Patrick was kidnapped at the age of sixteen, but he managed to escape and board a ship to Britain. Once there, he studied to be a priest. He then returned to Ireland and used his newfound love of the Church to teach others, which is how Christianity spread to Ireland.

All the green is coming out as St. Patrick's Day gets closer. Artwork by Ryan Woods

All the green is coming out as St. Patrick’s Day gets closer. Artwork by Ryan Woods

Patrick taught the idea of the Holy Trinity, which is symbolized by the shamrock because it has three leaves. The color blue was originally associated with Saint Patrick’s Day (SPD), but over time green became more popular. SPD didn’t become an official holiday until 1903 with the Bank Holiday Act. The Bank Holiday Act is when certain days are declared official bank holidays. The first Saint Patricks Day parade was on March 17, 1762 in New York City when Irish soldiers in the English military marched through the NYC streets. To this day that tradition is still going.

Every year there are SPD parades in different places around the world. This year Denver will hold it’s own parade on Blake Street. One can seek out more information about the annual parade at http://www.denverstpatricksdayparade.com/. The parade isn’t the only activity going on during Saint Patrick’s Day. Many Denver bars and restaurants will have specials and treats such as Irish step dancing and traditional Irish foods. In honor of Irish descendant Molly Brown, the historical Molly Brown House will be hosting their annual tea party. Participants will be served a full tea time during the retelling of her story. To find more information about the Molly Brown House one can visit  http://denver.about.com/od/attractions/p/mollybrownhouse.htm.  If the arts are more your cup of tea then the Celtic brass will be performing at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts March 11th-17th. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. There is more information about the concert at http://denver.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=denver&cdn=citiestowns&tm=399&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_p554.23.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.denverbrass.org/.

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated differently by everyone, whether it’s going out with friends or a night in with the family. This reporter asked a few people how they choose to spend March 17th.

Rachel Stutzman, one of TJ’s Social Studies teachers, explained what Saint Patrick’s Day means to her: “My husband proposed to me on Saint Patrick’s Day, so to me it means our anniversary.” said Stutzman.  “I celebrate it by wearing my Saint Patrick’s Day socks and spending time with my family,” explained Stutzman.

A fellow TJ Social Studies teacher, Edward Salazar explains how he keeps Saint Patrick’s Day simple. “My wife and I spend every Saint Patrick’s Day eating green eggs,” explained Salazar.

Junior Taran Seidl described what he does on March 17th and what the holiday means to him: “Saint Patricks Day to me is just a time to be around my family,” said Seidl.

Sally Stanley, TJ’s Gifted and Talented counselor, shared not only what she does on Saint Patrick’s Day, but also a fun fact she knows about it. “I celebrate honoring the Irish by going out and having a fun time,” said Stanley. “Also, every year in Chicago they dye the water green to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day,” explained Stanley.

A Junior at TJ, Zion Rivera explains what Saint Patrick’s Day means to him. “It’s just a day to wear green and an excuse to pinch people,” said Rivera.

Lots of people celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day all over the world in many different ways. With many events going on in Denver, there will certainly be some way for you to celebrate Irish heritage and Saint Patrick himself.