Definition

Proper noun A cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17th, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and more broadly celebrates Irish heritage and culture.

Usage

The term is used to refer to the annual celebration itself. * The city hosts a large parade for Saint Patrick's Day. * Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Ireland. * Many people wear green on Saint Patrick's Day.

Advanced Usage

• Observance: The day is observed as a religious feast day in the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations.
• Secular Celebration: In many parts of the world, especially where there is a large Irish diaspora, it is celebrated as a secular festival of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.

Variants and Related Words

• St. Patrick's Day: The most common abbreviated and alternative written form.
• Paddy's Day: An informal, chiefly Irish, nickname for the holiday.
• The Feast of Saint Patrick: A more formal or traditional name for the observance.

Synonyms

• The Feast of Saint Patrick
• St. Paddy's Day (informal)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Erin go Bragh": An anglicization of the Irish phrase "Éirinn go Brách," meaning "Ireland Forever," often heard and seen on banners during Saint Patrick's Day celebrations.
• "Wearing of the green": Refers to the tradition of wearing green clothing or a shamrock on Saint Patrick's Day.

Noun

1. a day observed by the Irish to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland