St. Patrick’s Day celebrates St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and is also a holiday in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
St Patrick was born in France in the 4th century. His father was an official of the Roman government. When he was almost 16 years old, he was captured by pirates and brought to Ireland. After being freed he returned to France. Saint Patrick studied to become a priest and was later ordained bishop and sent back to Ireland by Pope Celestine, in 432. In Ireland he preached and converted Irish people to Christianity. He built many churches there. It is said that St Patrick used the shamrock to explain the holy trinity to the pagan Irish. St Patrick died on 17th March 461(or 493)
The shamrock is the national plant of Ireland and today is one of the main decorations for this big party day.
Today people celebrate the day with parades, wearing of the green and displaying Irish culture (music, dance).
The first Irish parades happened in the XVIII century, in the United States, where large group of Irish Immigrants and Irish descendants lived, in order to protest against their social conditions and lack of employment. In Ireland the first parade only happened in 1931, in Dublin.
Nowadays parades all over the world happen on St Patrick’s Day for Irish people to show patriotism, strength and to remember their cultural roots. The most well known parade is in New York City. It passes through St. Patrick Cathedral on 5th Avenue.
The leprechauns are the well known fairies of Ireland. They are ugly little creatures with pointed ears .The leprechauns live alone and work as shoemakers for the fairies. It is said they enjoy good jokes. If you find one you can make them tell you where they hide their gold.
Don’t forget to wear green on St Patrick’s Day!
O´Connell St, Dublin
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