Many people will be take part in St. Patrick's day festivities this Saturday but is the meaning of St. Patty's day lost in the celebrations?
So who exactly is St. Patrick and why do we celebrate this day?
According to the Huffington Post, St. Patrick's day marks the accepted date in 493 CE of St. Patrick's death.
"As St. Patrick is the figure most prominently associated with bringing Christianity to Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland as a solemnity and holy day of obligation. The holiday is also officially celebrated by the Church of Ireland, the Irish branch of the Anglican Communion. The day is marked with special liturgical programs and a breaking of Lenten fasts," adds The Huffington Post.
There is very little information regarding St. Patrick's mission to Ireland although many legends and folk tales are associated with his work and play a major role in Irish culture.
"The holiday is also widely celebrated as a secular celebration of Irish culture. Cities around the world hold St. Patrick's Day parades and festivals http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?list=~%5Cnews%5Clists%5Clocal%20and%20state&id=729386#.T2OYTcUgc7E to mark the occasion, with many people participating in the "wearing of the green." Popularized by Irish immigrant communities, festivities usually include traditional Irish food and drink such as corned beef and Guinness beer," says The Huffington Post.
Don't forget to come out to the North Myrtle Beach parade and festival Saturday. The parade starts at 9 a.m. on Main Street and heads east, turning right on Hillside Drive, down 1st Avenue South and then north on Ocean Boulevard before ending at 2nd Avenue North.
