The
History of Saint Patrick and St. Patrick's DaySt. Patrick, who lived in the 5th
century, is the Patron Saint of Ireland. He was a monk and lived a long way from
Ireland for many years. While abroad, he dreamed that he was called to convert
the pagan Irish to Christianity, and he returned to Ireland to fulfill his
task. His influence spread all over Ireland and he
founded many monasteries and schools which became cultural centres for
Christianity throughout Europe.By the end of the 7th century Patrick had become
a legendary figure. Patrick's mission in Ireland lasted for over 20 years. He
died on March 17th, AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day
ever since. The day's spirit is to celebrate the universal baptization of
Ireland. Though originally a catholic holiday, St. Patrick's Day has become a
more secular holiday. The Catholic feast day for Saint Patrick has become a
holiday in celebration of the Irish and Irish culture. The leprechaun, a Celtic
fairy, and the shamrock are the symbols for this holiday
The shamrock is one of the symbols of Ireland, the green country!It brings good luck, and people often paint a shamrock on their faces to celebrate St. Patrick's day on the 17th of March. When St. Patrick preached in Ireland he explained the mistery of the Holy Trinity, which refers to the combination of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, through the symbol of the tri-leafed shamrock. It has three leaves but it is one!.
Ireland is a country of legends, tales, and fairies. Many characters from Irish folklore can be found in Irish literature. One of these, the leprechaun, is said to be the fairies' shoemaker and to bring good luck. A legend says that he is very rich and keeps a pot of gold hidden at the end of the rainbow. If you meet him and look at him he will take you to his pot of gold and give it to you. But, be careful, if you don't continue to look straight at him he will disappear. If you ask an Irishman:"Can you still see a leprechaun in Ireland?" You will probably receive this answer:"People don't believe in them today, so they don't appear anymore!"