Origins of St. Patrick Day

St. Patrick Day was actually a Roman Catholic Feast Day (March 17) for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. His life started in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. He was then kidnapped at 16 and sold as a slave in Ireland. Patrick was able to escape but returned at about 432 to try to convert the Irish to Christianity. He was able to establish many monasteries, churches, and school. According to Britannica.com, “Many legends grew up around him

—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. St. Patrick Day was created to celebrate saint Patrick with religious feast and services. Nowadays, in America, the tradition is to wear green to not get pinched. If you see someone not wearing green, then you get the privilege to pinch them. Fun Fact, the traditional colour was actually blue but changed to green in the Americas. Big cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago nowhave big parades like in the New Years and Thanksgiving. As you can see, the origin of St. Patrick Day is fascinating and fun.

-Joseph