St. Patrick's Day Around the World and Gift Ideas

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated right across the globe, but nowhere can the festivities match the excitement of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.

In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is more of a religious holiday similar to Christmas and Easter.  Many Irish people start the day by going to mass and offering prayers for the Saint and missionaries all over the world.  After that people flock to their local village or town to see the annual Saint Patrick's Day parade.  This is where the real celebrations begin! With grand parades, community feasts, charity show, the mass, St Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland with great gusto.  The parades, shamrocks, and green beer are provided primarily for tourists.  In fact, it has turned out to be a major tourist attraction.

In the US, early Irish immigrants like the English, Dutch, German, French and the likes, brought their traditions in United States.  But it was not until 1737 that the immigrants really celebrated the Day.  Irish colonists brought Saint Patrick's Day to what is now the United States of America.  Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike, dating back almost three hundred years.

Americans celebrate the holiday by wearing green clothing.  Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green-colored clothing and items.  Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched.  Alcohol is the center of many American celebrations.

In the United States, many people have also made the holiday a celebration of the color green.  These people, besides wearing green on that day, may also stage dinner parties featuring all green foods.  Corned beef and cabbage is the most common meal in the United States for St. Patrick's Day, even though historically, corned beef and cabbage is an American rather than an Irish meal.

Gift Ideas for St. Patrick's Day

One may ask whether it is appropriate to give gifts in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.  For the Irish at heart, gifts are a celebration of their heritage.  And anyway, who doesn't like gifts?

1. Celtic Jewelry, especially a beautiful Celtic cross, is a must have for every Irish female.

2. Green Beer- This American tradition should never be underestimated for the Irish at heart.  Or, go straight for the Guinness.

3. Soap- Luxury handmade soaps with perfumes like moss, lavender or rose damask are ideal.

4. Shamrocks- It is possible to purchase shamrocks to bring the Irish country side and good luck.

5. Meade- Known as the Irish aphrodisiac.  The Bunratty Winery located in County Clare, Ireland sells their wares online.

6. Sponsor a trip to the emerald island, with a visit to the blarney Castle thrown in.

7. A CD of Celtic music is a sure treat

Top o' the morning to ye! .