Saint Patrick

Biography

Saint Patrick was born in Britain in the end of fourth century. Until the age of 16 years old, he was a pagan. Then he was abducted and sold as a slave by Irish marauders. In captivity he turned to the God. Then he escaped and went to the Seminary. He got holy orders. When he was sleeping he heard a voice telling him to go to the Ireland and convert people into the Christianity. He started his mission in 431. Lots of people wanted to arrest him but he always escaped. After 30 years of mission he died on the 17^th of March.

Symbols

Shamrock is a symbol of Saint Patrick, because he used them to show the Holy Trinity. People couldn’t understand that, so he explained it based on shamrock. Second symbol is leprechaun. This is little fairy. Leprechaun makes shoes. They wear specific green big hats. There are lots of legends about Saint Patrick. He is a patron of Ireland, hairdressers and blacksmiths.

Celebrating in Ireland

Irish people don’t go to school and work on the 17^th of March. They wear green clothes that day, if they not, somebody can pinch them. Green is a symbol of the Shamrock. They have lots of festivals and parades. Traditional drink of Ireland is whisky, they call it Patrick’s pot.

Celebrating on the world

On the 17^th of March people all over the world mention Saint Patrick. For example there are lots of demonstrations of traditional Ireland dance and music. People paint also popular buildings in green. (Empire State building, London Eye or Leaning Tower of Pisa)

Julia Cholewa