St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated with parades, green attire, and festivities, but its true historical significance is often overlooked. Originally a religious feast day honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this holiday has a complex history tied to the spread of Christianity, cultural shifts, and persistent myths—such as the claim that St. Patrick “chased the snakes out of Ireland.”

Just as our education system has taken steps to address historical truths, such as the impact of residential schools, it is equally important to ensure transparency when teaching the history of globally recognized events like St. Patrick’s Day. Understanding the full context of this holiday—including its religious and cultural implications—fosters critical thinking, historical awareness, and respect for diverse traditions.

One of the most common myths about St. Patrick is that he "chased the snakes out of Ireland." However, historians widely agree that this phrase was not about literal snakes but rather a metaphor for the displacement of non-Christian people. Much like the forced conversion of Indigenous peoples, this aspect of history deserves recognition and discussion in our education system.

Given this history, we propose renaming the holiday to "Leprechaun Day" to shift the focus away from religious conquest and toward the lighthearted, celebratory aspects that people enjoy today. The holiday has already evolved into a largely secular event, with symbols like leprechauns, shamrocks, and pots of gold taking center stage. A name change would better reflect modern celebrations while acknowledging the complex past associated with St. Patrick.

We urge curriculum developers and policymakers to integrate a more comprehensive account of St. Patrick’s Day into history and social studies education. We also urge the Albertan Minister of Culture to consider changing the name to "Leprechaun Day" to represent what this holiday is really about. Sign this petition to support the inclusion of accurate historical narratives in our schools and to advocate for renaming the holiday to Leprechaun Day.