Who is St. Patrick?
St. Patrick is one of the most popular saints in the world.
Known as the Apostle of Ireland he was a Romano-British Christian missionary.
St. Patrick was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave in the 5th century. At that time there were many Druids, pagans, and snakes in this country.
It was St. Patrick who banished all pagans and snakes from Ireland and brought Christianity to the country.
Why do the Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s day?
St. Patrick was a humble man who made many miracles and loved Ireland with all his heart.
After his death on March 17th, the Irish wanted to keep Patrick in their memory. That’s why they named him Saint Patrick and that day became a very important holiday for the Irish people.
How do people celebrate this holiday?
On St. Patrick’s day people all over the world:
•go together on parades,
•to concerts of Irish folk music,
• watch firework shows,
•present each other with gifts
•and tell jokes.
Why Shamrock?
The shamrock has a religious significance. There is a legend that St Patrick used it as a symbol of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Why green?
The 1st colour of Saint Patrick was blue.
But in 19th century the Irish began to wear green because it was the colour of fairies and immortals. That’s why St Patrick’s day’s colour became green.
