The Legend of St. Patrick's Day

Have you ever wondered where St. Patrick's Day originated and how it came about? This article will fill you in on the legend of St. Patrick's Day. You may even learn a few things you didn't know before.

St. Patrick was known as the Saint of Ireland. His real name was Maewyn Succat. Patricius was his Roman name, thus being known as Patrick. You may be interested to know that he wasn't even born Irish. St. Patrick was the son of a Roman British Officer and his birth place was probably Scotland or England.

While in South Wales Patrick was kidnapped by pirates. It is told that they then sold him into slavery which he endured for six years. Legend has it that it was during this time while he was in captivity that he dreamed of having seen God and that he was told by God to escape with a getaway ship.

Finally the day came that he did escape and he went to Britain and from Britain he went onto France. It was there in France that he joined a monastery and began his twelve years of training to become a Bishop. After he became a Bishop he had another dream that Ireland was calling him back to tell them about God.

St. Patrick set out for Ireland with the Pope's blessing. While there he converted the Irish, who were mostly Pagans, to Christianity. Patrick was very successful in winning converts. He even was able to make converts among the royal families. Just like in Biblical times Patrick was arrested many times for his preaching. St. Patrick was able to set up many monasteries, schools and churches that helped him in his converting efforts.

There are many other legends surrounding St. Patrick. One of those being that he used the 3 leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity. The Trinity being God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Legend also says that he put the curse of God on venomous snakes and drove them all into the sea to drown.

Have you ever wondered about some of the Irish symbols and what they mean? Here is a little information about a common Irish icon, the Leprechaun. The Leprechaun is an Irish fairy. He usually dresses like a shoemaker and is supposedly hiding a pot of gold.

March 17^th is the day that St. Patrick died. This is the day that is known as St. Patrick's Day. The day of the Irish.

Sources:

http://www.theholidayspot.com