Saint Patrick’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on the 17th of March every year. The day commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. But how did this holiday come about, and what does it mean in modern-day New Zealand?
Origins of Saint Patrick's Day:
Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the 4th century and was kidnapped by Irish raiders when he was 16 years old. He spent six years as a slave in Ireland, during which time he became a devout Christian. After he escaped and returned to Britain, he had a vision that he should return to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. He spent the rest of his life as a missionary in Ireland, and his teachings eventually became the basis for Christianity in the country.
The first Saint Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City in 1762 by Irish soldiers who were serving in the British army. The parade grew in popularity and spread throughout the United States, eventually becoming a celebration of Irish-American culture. In Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day was a religious holiday until the 1970s when it became more of a cultural celebration.
Commemoration of Saint Patrick's Day in New Zealand:
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in New Zealand with parades, festivals, and parties. The largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the country is held in Auckland, which attracts thousands of people each year. Many people wear green and Irish-themed clothing and accessories, and traditional Irish music and dance are often performed.
However, some people have raised concerns that the modern-day commemoration of Saint Patrick’s Day in New Zealand has become too commercialized and has lost its religious and cultural significance. Some argue that the focus on drinking and partying has overshadowed the true spirit of the holiday, which is about celebrating Irish culture and the spread of Christianity.
Resigning the true spirit of Saint Patrick's Day:
To ensure that the true spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day is not lost in modern-day New Zealand culture, there are several things we can do. Firstly, we can learn more about the history and significance of the holiday, both from a religious and cultural perspective. Secondly, we can support events and initiatives that celebrate Irish culture and heritage, rather than just using the holiday as an excuse to drink and party. Finally, we can use the day as an opportunity to reflect on the role that religion and spirituality play in our lives and how we can promote peace, compassion, and understanding in our communities.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a holiday with deep roots in both Irish culture and Christianity. While it has evolved over time, it remains an important celebration of Irish identity and the spread of Christianity. As we commemorate Saint Patrick’s Day in modern-day New Zealand, it is important to remember its true spirit and to find ways to celebrate its significance in a meaningful and respectful way.
It does make me wonder as to what were the impacts of Christianity to the Indigenous Irish culture.