Few ethnic holidays have become as popular and widespread as St. Patrick's Day, named for the man who long ago brought Christianity to Ireland. He died on March 17, 461 AD.
For the orgins of the modern holiday, leap over the centuries and the Atlantic Ocean to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, where Irish-Americans began to celebrate March 17 as a way of affirming their historical identity, according to a National Geographic article.
Now this annual event has become something of a tradtion even for those who don't hail from Ireland.
This year St. Patrick's Day arrives on Saturday.
If you have a celebration favorite, vote or comment in our Patch poll.
Among the possibilities:
Celebrating with friends at home, and perhaps cooking the traditional corned beef meal.
Attending a big celebration like the St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Francisco that starts at 11:30 am in Civic Center.
Going out for drinks and/or dinner at a local bar or restaurant. (, and
Some outdoor activity, perhaps a barbecue or a field trip to one of the local parks.
The poll will offer these generalities, so please add specifics in the comments.
(Stuck for ideas? Find local businesses by visiting our Places directory.)
