It began as St. Patrick’s feast day, and has turned into what is often referred to as “the wearing of the green.” Observances began in the ninth and tenth centuries and remained as a minor religious holiday in Ireland where a priest would acknowledge the feast day and families would celebrate with a big meal. St. Patrick’s Day commemorated the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
As for celebration, that was about it until 1903, when St. Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland.  
St. Patrick’s Day with the customs we now know, such as you must wear green or be pinched, parades, green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and all the fun customs that go on, was basically invented in America by Irish-Americans in the 18th century.
The Divine Diners, a group of members of Kingston Episcopal Parish in Mathews, are incorporating all of the customs in a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance on Monday at the Parish House on Main Street.
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