Saint Patrick’s Day is a National holiday in Ireland and celebrated in many places throughout the world where people of Irish descent live. The festival can include celebrations for a period of up to a week.
About Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was not Irish as many might mistakenly believe, nor was he the first Christian Missionary to Ireland, he was however the best remembered. He was born the son of a comparatively low ranking Roman official. He was at the age of 16 captured by Irish raiders. He was transported to Ireland and eventually escaped to return home. He returned to Ireland as a Bishop and hence became famous for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Saint Patrick’s day is celebrated on March 17 the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death. Saint Patrick is known as the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick And The Wearing Of The Green
Although it is unverifiable, Saint Patrick was believed to have taught the concept of the holy trinity to Irish by using a shamrock, which has three leaves. The wearing of the green usually means wearing a shamrock on one’s clothing. Whether or not St. Patrick used a shamrock to teach Christianity doesn’t matter, the wearing of shamrocks and green has become an inseparable part of the St. Patrick’s day celebration.
Celebrations The World Over
Saint Patrick’s day is a bank holiday in Ireland. Parades, public entertainments and plenty of Guinness flow during this festival. Over a million visitors come to Ireland for the Saint Patrick’s Festival where entertainment and the culture of Ireland are showcased. Saint Patrick is an important religious and cultural figure for the Irish. The Saint Patrick’s festival has also become an important economic factor for Ireland because of the increased numbers of visitors and revenue generated.