SA River greens up for St. Patrick's Day

By Chris Plyler
Pulse Staff Reporter

Year after year, people worldwide roll out of bed on March 17 and start searching through their wardrobe for something green to wear.   In the United States of America, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated to honor the Irish-American culture. But how did it all start? Does San Antonio have a celebration? Why do people wear green? And who, exactly, is St. Patrick?   Currently, the Student Life Office has not posted any scheduled events for St. Patrick’s Day on their events calendar located on campus. The ‘unlucky’ reason is because St. Patrick Day is on March 17, which falls during Spring Break. On March 17 and 18, the campus will be closed. Sophomore Business Management major John O’Connor, whose heritage is half-Irish, has a desire to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but is met with stagnant support. “My family has a little celebration, but nothing special,” he said. Freshman Computer Information Systems Major Ruben Luna’s plans are also vacant, “I don’t have any plans. I haven’t heard about any local events,” he said.

Even though the campus community will not be hosting any events for St. Patrick’s Day, there are still several events to experience in the greater San Antonio area.

According to the San Antonio River Walk website, on Saturday, March 12, 2011, the River Walk will be transformed into a green oasis, as 35 pounds of environmentally friendly green dye will be added to the San Antonio River, re-naming it “The River Shannon” for the occasion.

The annually occurring celebrations downtown offer a unique environment that is free to the public. Their schedule of events held on March 12 and March 13 can be found on the official website of the San Antonio River Walk.  These events include a parade and a festival with live entertainment.

The celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day are not the only way to learn about the Irish culture.

Throughout the year the Irish Cultural Society of San Antonio hosts events to create Irish culture awareness.

According to the organization's official website, an event titled Irish Heritage Day was held on Sunday, February 20, 2011. The 14th annual event informed the participants by live entertainment and learning outlets. The event included: viewing of Celtic jewelry, traditional Irish music and live Irish step dancers.

Education major Raquel Hernandez said, “The only thing I know about St. Patrick’s Day is to wear green.”

According to the History Channel’s official website, St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland.  Born Maewyn Succat, he escaped his childhood life of slavery from Irish raiders and later returned to Ireland. He pursued his goal of cleansing paganism from the Irish people until his death on March 17, 461 AD.
 
It is not a coincidence that St. Patrick’s Day falls within Lent. Lent is the season before Easter when Christians give up their vices as penance.  The Feast of St. Patrick was a one-day reprieve when Irishmen could down a pint or two of ale, according to the History Channel website.

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle for its luscious green environment, but that is not the reason why people dress up in their favorite green outfit.  The actual reason dates back to the United Irishmen uprising in 1798. Irish soldiers wore green uniforms as a political act against the British. The tradition to wear green has continued to be a staple for St. Patrick’s Day.