St. Patrick's Influence On American Culture

In general, the Irish population comprises of a large percentage of the modern American population because of the long history that this particular nationality has had with immigrating and descending from ancestors when the United States of America had broken from English rule. Specifically, the focus of Irish immigrants for this purpose is on the people who came during the later colonial wave of 1700 to around 1775. With a population of about a quarter million coming to the colonies during this wave, they left an immense influence on the American culture and economy by means of contributing to America’s diversity, customs, and language. America is commonly referred to as a “melting pot” of the world in which many nationalities and ethnicities are prevalent in

Patrick’s Day. Though St. Patrick was an important figure in Irish history and was honored on March 17, the customs involving parades and large celebrations were created here in the U.S. (Myths) With the founding of the Charitable Irish Society in 1737, Irish immigrants made a larger deal out of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with commemorations and parties, but it was not until 1762 when the first parade began (Myths and St. Patrick’s). This aspect alone of Irish-American culture has had a big economic impact as well. With each yearly celebration of the holiday, many consumers spend money on cabbage and bacon (traditional Irish food), beer, and decorations such as shamrocks, dyed chrysanthemums, etc. which brings in millions of dollars (St. Patrick’s). This holiday further influenced American culture through the symbolism in the holiday. Four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold - all of these are Irish symbols brought into American culture, generally shown on St. Patrick’s Day to indicated good luck, wealth, and prosperity