Every March 17th, many people around the world celebrate a holiday known as St. Patrick’s Day, a day that began as a religious feast honoring Saint Patrick, a philanthropic saint of Ireland. Born in the late 4th century, Patrick was kidnapped from Britain as a young adult and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned as a missionary and is traditionally credited with spreading religion across the island. Legend states that he used the shamrock to spread the Holy Trinity, which is one of the reasons why green became the holiday’s signature color.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is filled with music, dancing, parades, and everything green, ranging from clothes to hats to food and even the Chicago River in Illinois. Nowadays, with every religion and ethnicity welcome to celebrate, communities celebrate together by wearing green and baking holiday-themed treats. A St. Patrick’s Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without some classic dishes to go with it, such as Irish soda bread or Shepherd’s Pie. Irish soda bread is a simple but delicious bread made with baking soda rather than yeast. It has a dense texture and a tangy flavor that matches perfectly with butter or jam, especially when baked with raisins, a sweet add-on you can try at home. Another traditional staple is shepherd’s pie, a comforting, homely favorite made with seasoned ground lamb, vegetables like peas and carrots, and a thick layer of mashed potatoes baked until golden on top. Another traditional meal you might see out and about on this cultural holiday is Colcannon. Colcannon is a dish of mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage, or sometimes kale, and a boatload of butter. Ireland’s rich food and traditions make any St. Patrick’s Day feast feel warm and authentic, and they’re clearly necessary to spread some holiday cheer. Whether you’re Irish or just in it for the fun, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance to celebrate history, culture, and spread good luck to your loved ones, so don’t forget to wear green.
