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July 05, 2008
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Saint Patrick’s Day History
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, the Roman Catholic feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has also become a day to celebrate Irish nationalism and culture.
Saint Patrick was born around 387 A.D. in England or Scotland and was given the name Maewyn. When he was sixteen he was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. As a captive, he became close to God. After spending six years in captivity tending sheep and swine, he escaped and made his way home. He went on to Gaul (France) where he entered a monastery and became a priest. When he was ordained, he took the name Patrick.
During his years of training Saint Patrick became aware of a calling to return to Ireland and convert the people to Christianity. Saint Patrick, with the title of bishop, returned to Ireland as a missionary in about 430-432 A.D. In his teachings Saint Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity. He established monasteries, churches and schools throughout Ireland. Saint Patrick was very successful in his missionary work and conversion of the Irish to Christianity.
Many legends exist about Saint Patrick, including the story that he drove all the snakes in Ireland into the sea. Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D. March 17th has been celebrated as Saint’s Patrick’s Day ever since.
Brought to American by Irish immigrants, Saint Patrick’s Day was first celebrated in Boston in 1737. Today, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated by the Irish, those of Irish descent, and even by people who do not have any connection to Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations include parades, the wearing of the green, enjoying Irish music, drinking green beer and eating corned beef and cabbage.
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