The History and Traditions of St. Patrick’s Day (with Irish Soda Bread Recipe)
- Christianne Klein
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Ahhhhhhhhh St. Patrick’s Day. The day when everyone you know wears green, pints of Guinness and Smithwick’s flow freely, and shamrocks appear on everything from storefronts to lapels. But beyond the parades and lively celebrations, this holiday is steeped in rich history, fascinating legends, and beloved traditions that have been passed down for generations.
As Cliff Clavin would say, it’s a little-known fact that St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of sixteen by Irish raiders and forced into slavery. After years of captivity, he escaped and returned home- only to feel called back to Ireland as a missionary. His work spreading Christianity throughout the island earned him the title of Ireland’s patron saint, and he is famously associated with using the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
And then, of course, there’s the legend of the snakes.
According to folklore, St. Patrick stood on an Irish hillside and, somehow, drove every last snake into the sea. While historians argue that Ireland never had snakes to begin with (or at least not since the Ice Age), the story is widely believed to be symbolic of his efforts to drive out pagan practices. The exact location where this may have happened is also debated.
For our family, this legend is more than just a story- it’s a childhood memory. When I first traveled to Ireland, my family visited the Gap of Dunloe, one of the many places believed to be tied to this very tale. We rode there on the back of a wagon, the wheels rattling over the dirt path, pulled by a horse named Billy. We all remember Billy (“Hup, Billy, hup” became our favorite way to say hurry up after that visit). But what we still laugh about today is our tour guide’s answer when he pointed out a nearby lake, saying it was where St. Patrick had driven the last of the serpents from Ireland. Naturally, we asked the name of the lake, expecting something mystical or profound. Instead, he gave us the most obvious, forehead-slapping answer: Serpent’s Lake.
That moment- our collective realization that we had just asked a ridiculously obvious question, the laughter that followed- became part of our family’s own St. Patrick’s Day stories. To this day, we still talk about that ride, about Billy, and about the legend that shaped Ireland. Always remember… the answer is Serpent’s Lake.
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about remembering history- it’s about celebrating it. That’s why every year, we join the millions who take part in time-honored traditions. We wear green, share stories of the shamrock, listen to a jig or two, and watch festive parades in honor of Ireland’s patron saint.
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day is complete without comfort food. Hearty Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage (there are three corned beef briskets in my fridge right now), shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread fill dinner tables around the world. And one of my absolute favorite traditions? Eating a fresh loaf of Irish soda bread. This humble, no-fuss recipe has been a staple in Irish households for centuries, and there’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm bread filling the kitchen.
Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Optional: 1 cup raisins or currants for a touch of sweetness
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently, shaping it into a round loaf.
Place the loaf on the baking sheet and cut a deep “X” into the top—this helps it bake evenly and, according to tradition, lets the fairies escape!
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Let it cool before slicing. Slather it with butter and enjoy!
