It’s that time of year again when the streets are awash with green, shamrocks are everywhere, and people are consuming pints of Guinness. That’s right, it’s St. Patrick’s Day! But did you know that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations differ between the United States and Ireland? While both countries celebrate the day, there are notable differences in how they do it. In this article, we will explore the main differences between St. Patrick’s Day in America and Ireland.
The Color Green:
In America, St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with wearing green. From green hats to green t-shirts, Americans go all out to show their love for the holiday. In Ireland, however, it’s not as common to see people dressed in green on St. Patrick’s Day. The color green is actually associated with the Catholic Church in Ireland, and not the holiday itself. It’s much more common to see people wearing the colors of the Irish flag: green, white, and orange.
Parades:
Another major difference between the two countries is the way they celebrate with parades. St. Patrick’s Day parades are a big deal in America, with cities like New York and Boston hosting some of the biggest and most well-known parades in the world. In Ireland, however, the parades tend to be smaller and more community-focused. While Dublin does host a large parade, the focus is more on celebrating Irish culture and heritage rather than the holiday itself.
Alcohol:
Of course, it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a pint of Guinness, right? Well, in America, alcohol is a big part of the celebrations. Bars and pubs across the country offer drink specials and promotions, and people often drink to excess. In Ireland, however, the focus is less on drinking and more on spending time with family and friends. While there is certainly drinking on St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, it’s not as widespread or excessive as it is in America.
Food:
Another major difference between the two countries is the food associated with St. Patrick’s Day. In America, corned beef and cabbage is a popular dish served on St. Patrick’s Day. However, this dish is not actually an Irish dish – it’s an American invention. In Ireland, the traditional dish associated with St. Patrick’s Day is bacon and cabbage. While similar to corned beef and cabbage, it’s a different dish altogether.
Religious Significance:
While St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday celebrating the patron saint of Ireland, the way it’s celebrated differs between the two countries. In America, St. Patrick’s Day is more of a secular holiday – a time to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. In Ireland, however, the religious significance of the day is still very important. Many people attend Mass or visit the sites associated with St. Patrick.
Overall:
While St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in both America and Ireland, the way it’s celebrated differs between the two countries. From the color green to the food to the religious significance, each country has its own unique way of celebrating this beloved holiday. Whether you’re in America or Ireland, one thing is for sure – St. Patrick’s Day is a time to come together and celebrate all things Irish.
Sláinte!
