The History Behind St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick was born in Britain at the end of the fourth century. His father was an active member of the Church, though some believe it was more for monetary reasons than faith.

Patrick became a devout Christian while spending six or more years in captivity.

At the age of sixteen, Irish raiders captured Patrick while raiding his family's home. There are some who believe he may have resided in Mount Slemish in Ireland. Though know one knows for sure if this is exactly where he was taken.

What is known is that while imprisoned, he worked outdoors as a shepherd. In his isolation, he found his faith and began taking steps in his mind to convert the Irish to Christianity.

Patrick believed that God had come to him in a dream one night and had told him to escape and leave Ireland. When he had returned to Britain, he was visited again and told to return once again to Ireland and bring the word of God to the Irish.

It is actually said that St. Patrick is the man who originally introduced Christianity to the Irish. However, after about fifteen years of religious training, Patrick joined a group of Christians already in Ireland. Together they worked to bring Ireland to God.

Patrick believed that the most effect way to reach the Irish was to meld his beliefs with their traditions. Bon fires were used in Ireland in order to honor their pagan gods. So, Patrick used this tradition to celebrate Christian holidays and in the process teach them certain things about Christianity. He also created what is known today as the "Celtic cross", by "superimposing the sun", which is a respected symbol.

Through the help of the few other Christians in Ireland, Patrick was able to convert many of the Irish to Christianity.

Though there has been some debate over his exact date of death, it is believed by most that St. Patrick died March 17, 460 A.D.

Over the centuries the stories of St. Patrick have been stretched beyond imagination. However, the man was real and he is who we are celebrating on March 17.

The first ever St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in New York City in1762 and since then has become one of the largest events of the year.

In 1995 March was declared "Irish-American Heritage Month" by Congress and for many years now St. Patrick's Day has become more than just a celebration of the work that the man did. It has become a celebration of anything and everything that is Irish.