Ireland celebrates its patron saint, Saint Patrick, with a national holiday
on March 17th. This remembrance has evolved into a celebration of Irish
culture around the world. People around the world eat Irish food, green
beer, and enjoy parades. A popular tradition for children is wearing
something green. Sometimes a friendly "pinch" is the penalty if you forget
to put on something green. Shamrocks are sometimes worn in the hair.
Boston was the location of the first celebration (in 1737 of St. Patrick's
day in the United States. The Chicago River is dyed a bright green each
year. New York is famous for having one of the largest parades to celebrate
the event.
Saint Patrick is thought to have lived from 373 to 493. While he was born in
Rome, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders at about 16 and taken to Ireland. He
escaped at 22 years of age and joined the church after returning home to his
family. Later, he returned to Ireland as a missionary and had great success
converting the Irish to Christianity.
Links:
