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The rain didn’t stop the 40th Ward from participating in the 55th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 13th. Alderman Patrick J. O’Connor and his wife, Barbara, lead approximately 150 friends and supporters down Columbus Drive from Balbo to Randolph Street.
The float was filled with children of all ages showing their Irish eyes and beautiful smiles as they waved to the thousands who lined the parade route. This is the 27th year that the 40th Ward has participated in the annual parade. Video: Channel 7 Chicago Pictures: Flickr
St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t exist if not for the man himself. But how much do we know about him? Did you know that he spent six years of slavery in Ireland until he escaped and undertook religious training abroad? Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig is the Gaelic way of expressing a wish that you have all the blessings of St. Patrick’s Day and the “luck of the Irish” to go with it. There are many humorous explanations for this expression. One comes from the legend of the ‘Little People’ of the land, known as leprechauns. Finding or catching a leprechaun (who would then give you gold) was a lucky event that could only take place in Ireland. The Irish are descendants of great Celtic and Viking fighters and invaders. Their natural fighting skills often ensured survival & hence they became known as the ‘lucky’ people. But then “The Luck of the Irish” may all be legend.
So why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day that St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland. With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.
