By: Haley Michelson
March 17th seems like an ordinary day, but did you forget about Saint Patrick’s day? Saint Patrick’s day is also overlooked. All of the attention goes to Easter, only being a month away.
Saint Patrick’s day actually isn’t as ‘big’ of a holiday in other countries as it is in America. Lots of people are teaching their kids to pinch anyone who doesn’t wear green, meaning everyone looks like they are celebrating, but really no one really knows the meaning behind this infamous holiday.
Saint Patrick’s day is supposed to be to respect the life of a man named Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity. Saint Patrick was born in Ireland, but when he was sixteen years old, he was kidnapped. Irish raiders took him and forced him into slavery. It took him several years to escape his imprisonment and many attempts to get back home. He was a Christian missionary and ended up becoming a priest.
No one really knows if any of these stories are true, so many myths are created about this one man who had a tough time.
People learn many things from him. He forgave his kidnappers who forced him to work for them and he ended up persevering to get out. Being able to forgive in tough situations is very important, so is not giving up and being able to persevere.
Saint Patrick’s day has many layers to it’s story. Before you go celebrating this holiday and wearing green/pinching people who don’t, remember, everything has a lesson.
March 17th is a largely celebrated holiday, yet it is always forgotten.
Haley Michelson
Haley Michelson, class of '23, is a fourth year member of the Redwood Gigantea.
