Everyone's Irish on Saint Patrick's Day - Time to Celebrate!

The Unexplainable Allure of Saint Patrick's Day

On March 17th, North America transforms into a sea of green as people celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. This day, originally commemorating the death of Saint Patrick, has evolved into a widespread celebration of Irish culture, even among those with no Irish heritage.

The American Saint Patrick's Day Menu

When Americans think of Saint Patrick's Day, green beer and corned beef with cabbage often come to mind. However, these items are not traditional Irish fare. Historically, most Irish people couldn't afford beef, and their diet consisted mainly of boiled cabbage and potatoes. If they were lucky, they might add a bacon joint for flavor.

The Myth of Green Beer

Green beer is a purely American invention. In Ireland, asking for a green beer in a pub would likely earn you some puzzled looks. Instead, the Irish prefer their national drink, stout beer, which is dark and rich.

The Evolution of Saint Patrick's Day in America

The first Saint Patrick's Day celebration in the United States took place in Boston in 1737. The tradition quickly spread to other cities, and soon the entire country was celebrating the day.

Corned Beef and Cabbage: An American Twist

In the late 19th century, Irish immigrants in America and Canada began to adopt corned beef and cabbage as a staple for Saint Patrick's Day. In their homeland, salt and meat were expensive, but in North America, these items were more affordable. They prepared beef similarly to how they would have prepared a bacon joint in Ireland: soaking it to remove excess salt, then braising or boiling it with cabbage and seasoning it with pepper and bay leaf.

Celebrating Like the Irish

Whether you're Irish or not, Saint Patrick's Day is a great excuse to gather with friends and family. Dress in green, wear a shamrock, and enjoy some traditional Irish dishes. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• Corned Beef & Cabbage
• Reuben Sandwich
• Corned Beef Cabbage Soup
• Corned Beef Hash
• Guinness Beef or Mutton Stew

Toasting the Day

Instead of green beer, consider toasting with a traditional Irish drink. Here are some options:

• Irish Coffee
• Hot Double Irish
• Irish Cream Stinger

An Irish Toast to You and Yours

"Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away. But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day."

Interesting Stats About Saint Patrick's Day

• Economic Impact: In 2022, Americans spent approximately $5.87 billion on Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Source
• Parades: The New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest in the world, dating back to 1762. Source
• Beer Consumption: On Saint Patrick's Day, beer sales in the U.S. increase by 174% compared to an average day, according to Nielsen. Source

Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with a nod to tradition and a spirit of fun. Sláinte!