Saint Patrick’s Day – Ireland’s Official Holiday
17 Mar 2022
Celebrated on 17 March, Saint Patrick's Day is Ireland's official holiday. The feast day of Saint Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland – is the date of his death in 461 AD.
Customs and Traditions
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any national festival.
The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity into Ireland as well as the heritage and culture of all things Irish.
Saint Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. The wearing of green attire and shamrocks on Saint Patrick’s Day is said to be partly inspired by this.
Saint Patrick's Day celebrations involve; public parades, festivals, cèilidhs (gatherings), and wearing green attire and shamrocks.
Saint Patrick’s Day 2015, Dublin, Ireland (Source: Flickr)
Four-leafed clover (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The feast day of Saint Patrick falls during Lent, a Christian holiday where Christians fast during the countdown to Easter.
Due to the collision of these two events in the calendar, restrictions on eating; and drinking alcohol are said to have been lifted for the day. This is also said to have encouraged the more recent tradition; excessive alcohol consumption.
The Saint Patrick’s Day / Leydon Logo
The Leydon logo symbolises a green four-leafed clover.
According to Irish tradition, finding a four-leafed clover is considered lucky. Each leaf on a four-leafed clover symbolises good omens; omens such as faith, hope, and love. The extra leaf is luck for the finder.
Saint Patrick’s Day Leydon Logo Design
“May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness, come through your door.”― (Irish Blessing)
However you are celebrating, whoever you’re celebrating with, we hope you have a great day!
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona duit (Happy Saint Patrick’s Day)!