St. Patrick’s Day History
Once upon a time, there was boy called Maewyn Succat who was born in Britain in 387 AD. Sadly, he was snatched away from his family at the age of 16 by Irish pirates. He was sold to a trader in Ireland and was a shepherd for his master’s sheep.
God came in his dreams and commanded him to leave Ireland. Patrick traveled over 200 miles and came to Britain again where he became a devout Christian. He became a priest. However, he missed Ireland.
St. Patrick and Ireland
Pope Celestine, in 432, made him a Bishop and the name Patercius or Patrick (meaning father of the people) was bestowed on him. St Patrick went back to Ireland. He combined the Celtic language, Irish symbols and traditions with Christian propaganda; and he started to convert people to Christianity.
There is a green clover leaf which has three leaves attached together and is called a shamrock. St Patrick used this leaf to explain the Holy Trinity to people.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
The Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s death anniversary on 17 March as St Patrick’s Day. Everyone wears shamrock and if you don’t wear it you will get pinched. In Chicago, the river is dyed green with vegetable dye.
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