St. Patrick’s Day is the day to wear green, eat corn beef and cabbage, and drink a pint or two.
While there are many legends about St. Patrick, the history can be hard to trace, in part because the stories were told by word of mouth, and have been embellished throughout the years or just completely forgotten.
These are a few facts historians believe to be true:
Patrick, who was born in Roman British Isles around 387, was kidnapped and taken into slavery at the age of 16. He was forced to work as a shepherd, and quickly learned that religion brought great comfort. At the age of 22, he escaped and returned to his homeland. In a dream one night, he heard Irish voices asking him to convert them to Christianity.
Heeding that call, he studied to become a priest, and years later he went to Ireland as a Christian missionary.
Ireland around the 5th century practiced Paganism, ruled by the Druids. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity through Ireland, and is also credited with helping spread the written word as he taught the Bible. Eventually monasteries and churches started to appear all over the country.
So what’s the significance of March 17th?
Most historians believe March 17th represents the date of Saint Patrick’s death.
So, if you’re watching a parade or wearing green today, honoring St. Patrick is the reason.
