St. Patrick’s Day was once called “The Feast of St. Patrick.” Historians explain, “What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.” If you want to learn the history of St. Patrick ’s Day, read more here.

This celebration has spread beyond Ireland, and the modern day celebrant may attend a festival, party, or pub crawl for St. Patrick’s Day. That person might not even be Irish!

Every year on March 17^th, people gather together wearing shamrocks, “Kiss me, I’m Irish” buttons, donning green caps and drinking green beer—and for what?

I think we do it because we want to bond in a festive way. We want to enjoy ourselves and to build a sense of togetherness with friends, family and people in our communities.

Some businesses even use March 17^th as a chance to do teambuilding exercises with managers and staff. They encourage going out for a meal or engaging in trivia nights and sporting events. Cody Pratt of Teambonding says, “Pub crawls originated in England during the late nineteenth century. Drinks were a form of bonding with peers and having a grand old time. Using trivia as a corporate team building activity arose from the world of pub quiz nights.”

“Casual drinks with a coworker can increase conversation and create a more personal relationship,” explains Pratt. Adding the element of an appropriate personal bond to an existing professional relationship can strengthen staff cohesiveness, through what he calls a “Pub Crawl Scaventure.” However, it’s important not to place the emphasis on alcohol as the primary bonding ingredient. “Unlike other pub crawls, which focus mainly on imbibing, our journey includes mind games, scavenger hunting, plus delectable trivia.” Parties, food, fun, or even “mocktails,” can do the trick.

Remember: St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate together. It’s an opportunity to show the people around you that you care. Be responsible, and be present. Be with people.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.