Green is the color, Ireland is the country, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. A celebration of Irish culture in the United States, this holiday excites a large section of the population to celebrate the history of their own cultures, and the vast history and customs that come with them.

Senior Claire Devereaux has been to Ireland multiple times. However, seeing as her family identifies as American, she said the holiday lacks major significance.

“It’s not that important to us,” Devereaux said. “We have friends in Ireland so it’s just something cool to celebrate Irish tradition.”

Devereaux said her family makes corned beef, Irish soda bread, and other Irish dishes.

“It’s just a fun thing. I like to wear green. We’ll watch The Quiet Man and other Irish movies,” Devereaux said.

English teacher Dani Schafer-Cloke is also Irish and likes the holiday as a way to remember her roots.

“It’s a way to celebrate my family and where we’ve come from,” Schafer-Cloke said.

Schafer-Cloke said to celebrate, she likes to, “find a place with Irish music.” As far as food goes, Schafer-Cloke said she makes shepards pie and mashed potatoes.

Schafer-Cloke mentioned that the holiday represents different things in Ireland and the United States. This is a reference to how in Ireland, it is primarily a religious holiday, an ode to Saint Patrick, who converted the island to Christianity.

St. Patrick became the patron-saint of Ireland, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting Education. A holiday in honor of him came about and when Irish immigration exploded in the nineteenth century, the holiday made its way to the United States.

“The celebrations in Ireland were understated. When the Irish emigrated to the United States, they created bigger celebrations and parades known today,” GPB said.

English teacher Brian Higgins also spoke on the meaning of the holiday.

“My grandpa came from Ireland, so I like to celebrate the struggles of immigrants and people from all cultures,” Higgins said.

Higgins and his family go all out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. “We go to the parade every year,” Higgins said. “Two years ago, my wife and I were married the day before St. Patrick’s Day, so now we have a three day celebration.”

Whatever the meaning and personal significance behind the holiday, it is one that represents Irish culture in America. It is a holiday celebrated with joy and remembrance, one that bridges gaps in culture and unifies us from across the Atlantic.