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Patrick, active in Ireland as a missionary and as a bishop in the fifth century, has been Ireland’s patron saint since the seventh century. Legend maintains that, among other things, Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland.
Since 1631, St. Patrick’s feast day has been celebrated on March 17th in Ireland and globally in areas with a substantial Irish diaspora. Reverence for St. Patrick is also inscribed into the Irish landscape, in the form of numerous holy wells and other sacred sites, including churches and cathedrals, notably the Catholic and Protestant cathedrals in Armagh and Dublin’s iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In recent centuries, the story of Patrick came to represent diverse things. At the Eucharistic Congress of 1932, when the emerging Irish nation hosted the Papal Nuncio in a spectacular event of faith and pageantry, images of Patrick represented Irish independence and courage. In cities like New York, which hosts a major St Patrick’s Day parade, his image became a focal point for expressions of Irish-American cultural identity.
In more recent decades, St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, including parades and other events, have acquired a joyous air as communities celebrate Irishness, inclusivity, fun and faith.
Our stamp features the image of a snake, which has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Festival.
Product code 2502W
