March 17, a day where those of Irish descent, and even those who aren’t, celebrate their Irish heritage while drinking, eating corned beef and cabbage, and covering themselves in green from head to toe.

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday of Christian origin, celebrating Saint Patrick, a 5th century Roman-British boy who at the age of sixteen was said to be kidnapped and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland. During the six years he spent there, he was said to have “found God” and after God had told him to run away, he returned home and became a priest. He later returned to Ireland and traveled the country converting pagans to Christianity. He died on March 17, and during the following centuries many legends grew around Patrick and he became Ireland’s foremost saint.

Every year people come together, covered in green, and celebrate the Irish culture in their own ways. I, being 75% Irish, go to my Uncle Jamie’s house and we eat corned beef and cabbage. Another tradition that is common for NKHS students is attending the St. Patty’s Day parade held in Newport. This year the event was held on Saturday March 12.

Kaya Horlbogen says she is excited to attend this year’s parade. “I have gone to the parade before,” Horlbogen said, “and it was so much fun. My friends and I loved dressing up in green.” However, “the weather is usually poor or rainy which stinks.”

Horlbogen is not of Irish descent at all, but still enjoys participating in the event and celebrating. The parade is held every year rain, snow or shine.

Senior, Margret Ryan says her favorite part of the parade is, “being with everyone from NK, all my people, together, having a great time.” Ryan also says she likes the free candy.

Jordan Smith, an NK senior and Jamestown volunteer firefighter, attends the parade as well, but he does not just watch the parade. The Jamestown Fire Department along with numerous other fire departments, participates in actual the parade. Smith says that every year the firefighters march in a line along with some trucks driving behind. Smith is excited to participate this year and said, “It should be a great time, and I hope the weather is exceptional, and everyone stays safe.”

A popular St. Patrick’s Day legend is a leprechaun. When you think leprechaun, what usually comes to mind is a small, mischievous, bearded man, wearing a green coat and hat. Leprechauns are a type of fairy in Irish folklore, said to be solitary creatures that spend their time mending shoes, and they have a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. When captured by a human, they can grant you three wishes in exchange for their freedom. Some of the modern depictions of leprechauns are stereotypes of the 19th century Irish.

The term “luck of the Irish” is usually used on St. Patrick’s Day, and people decorate their households with good luck charms, like horseshoes and four leaf clovers. This term however is not of Irish origin, as some may think. During the gold and silver rush years, in the 19th century, a number of the most successful miners were of Irish and Irish American birth. The term was not used as a compliment, but with a tone of derision. It was used so as to say only by sheer luck, as opposed to brains, would the Irish be able to succeed.

The Irish adopted the four leaf clover as a symbol of Irish luck because clovers are abundant in the hills of ireland. The four leaf clover is believed to be a good luck charm, this old Irish verse describes why:

One leaf is for fame,

And one leaf is for wealth,

And one is for a faithful lover,

And one to bring you glorious health,

Are all in the four-leaved clover.

Each leaf has a meaning and the leaves are said to bring good luck to the finder, especially if found on accident.

Maddie Bishara is a senior here at the high school that not only celebrates St. Patrick’s day but also her birthday on March 17th. “It’s awesome because everybody loves the holiday and it’s a fun day to celebrate,” Bishara said, “but I can not really go anywhere like out to dinner that night because the roads are dangerous.” Bishara is not the only person who is extra cautious on the roads this holiday, and for good reason too.

Last year police were extra prepared on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, especially at the parade in Newport. 57 people were arrested at the city’s parade, 15 being alcohol related incidents. Dozens were also arrested for DUIs and car accidents were numerous. St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous days of the year for drivers, because people who have been drinking usually misjudge their abilities and try to drive. If you are on the road and see a hazardous or dangerous driver, you can call 911 or *77 to report them.