Although St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the country, those of us in the Boston area know that we do this holiday best. After all, it was Irish immigrants living in Boston who brought the holiday to North American shores. And even though over 36 million people in the U.S. can claim some Irish heritage, it is our part of the country that still boasts the largest concentration of folks with Irish heritage. So from the huge parade in South Boston to a walk along the Irish Heritage Trail, or perhaps a movie at the Irish Film Festival – we live in the best place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day! For everyone in Cambridge or Boston who has Irish relatives and friends, don’t forget to send a gorgeous bouquet of green flowers, so that your home or office can also be involved in the “wearing o’ the green!”. 

For all the Irish pride, Maewyn Succat (also known as Saint Patrick) was actually born in Great Britain. As a boy, he was kidnapped by pirates and held in captivity in Ireland when he reportedly came to faith. After his release, Maewyn became a Catholic priest, changed his name to Patrick, and returned to Ireland to be a missionary. Contrary to popular legend, he was not responsible for driving all the snakes out of the country. Instead, historians believe he got the reputation because of the conversion of the Celtic druids, who used snake imagery in their pagan icons.

Wear Green or Else: It is said that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day – and therefore, everyone is expected to wear at least some green on March 17th. It is considered socially acceptable to “pinch” those who do not participate in the colorful tradition.
You may celebrate the day with corned beef and cabbage and maybe a pint of green beverage. But for an extra-special touch of Irish spirit, send green orchids, mums, hydrangeas or succulents to your friends and family. Central Square Florist has the best greenery in town!