Saint Patrick's Day
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
People celebrate St. Patrick's by wearing green and drinking at
local bars. Irish-American immigrants brought Saint Patrick's Day
to the United States. The first civic and public celebration of
Saint Patrick's Day in the 13 colonies took place in Boston,
Massachusetts in 1737. The first celebration of Saint Patrick's Day
in New York City was held at the Crown and Thistle Tavern in 1756.
In 1780, General George Washington, who commanded soldiers of Irish
descent in the Continental Army, allowed his troops a holiday on
March 17. This event became known as The St. Patrick's Day
Encampment of 1780.
Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in the United
States by Irish and non-Irish alike. Many people, regardless of
ethnic background, wear green-colored clothing and items.
Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are
pinched.