Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day? And why do people wear green? Well, the tradition began on March 17, 1783 when the Knights of St. Patrick came together and put on a parade to celebrate St. Patrick. St. Patrick lived from 387 until March 17, 461. He was born in Roman Britain at Banna Venta Berniae, and it is believed that he was captured and carried off to Ireland when he was 16 years old. He was a slave for six years, and his faith grew and strengthened him during his years in slavery, then he escaped and went back home. Since he is highly honored among the Catholic and Protestant churches in Ireland, many believed that he became a missionary in Ireland, which may be why he is celebrated by both the Roman Catholic and Irish Protestant traditions.
The shamrock is another part of St. Patrick’s Day because many believed that St. Patrick used it as a picture of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But even before St. Patrick lived, the shamrock was a picture of new birth and eternal life to the Irish people. This was fun to research because I learned some new things! Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? If so, what do you do?
