Some of the most popular saints’ days include Saint Patrick’s Day and Saint Valentine’s Day, but have you ever wondered why? Between the 1700 and 1800s, people in the United States started to celebrate these two days. Americans decorated their houses, host parties, walk in parades, and much more. But the question is why do we celebrate these two saints; yes, we are aware of the honorable deeds they have done and their importance, but what sets them apart from all the other loyal saints?
Valentine’s Day is known to be a celebration of love, but the real reason we celebrate Valentine’s Day is to honor the deeds of Saint Valentine. It is said that Saint Valentine would aid young couples and officiate and perform weddings for those not allowed to be wed. Therefore, on his martyr day, February 14th, we honor the sacrifice he made by cherishing our loved ones and appreciating those who we see romantically. Valentine’s Day is not just celebrated in the United States, though; it is also celebrated in Canada, Australia, Great Britain, France, and other countries. What sets Saint Valentine apart from others is his dramatic and engaging story because his cause and drive to help others is so pure. People appreciate helping others fall in love; therefore, Saint Valentine’s story is one of the most impactful. Valentine’s Day is also an excuse for us to take a leap and talk to those who we may admire from afar, as well as help commemorate Saint Valentine’s actions by becoming the young lovers that Saint Valentine helped. Overall, Valentine’s Day is celebrated for a reason and is a good holiday to commemorate each year.
Saint Patrick’s Day is another popular holiday that honors a Saint. Saint Patrick, unlike Saint Valentine, was more of a mystery. His life actions are a little cloudier and include a lot of false storytelling. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland; however, he himself is not Irish. Saint Patrick was born in Great Britain and was a prisoner until he had a dream from God guiding him to go to Ireland. It was said that his mission was to help the Irish convert to Christianity. In the 1760s, Americans first celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day due to immigrants of Ireland bringing the holiday to the United States. The reason we celebrate Saint Patrick is because in America, there is a mix of nationalities. Just like how we celebrate Cinco de Mayo here in America, Saint Patrick’s Day is a way for people with Irish nationality to show their pride. Even though the celebration of Saint Patrick started in Ireland, the day is celebrated more intensely in America; New York City is said to have the largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.
Overall, the celebration of Valentine’s Day and Saint Patrick’s Day are some of the most exciting holidays here in the U.S. Whether you are going to dye the river in Chicago or going to dinner with a loved one, there are many things you can do to celebrate these two saints’ days in your own way. Even though there is not an exact reason why they are so important in the United States especially over the other saint days, there is still a reason they are celebrated. As Valentine’s Day passes and Saint Patrick’s Day approaches, take the time to be grateful to celebrate these dedicated saints and the sacrifices they made for our religion, and honor those saints by celebrating their days.
