Every year, on March 17th, people worldwide
wear green, go to parades, and have fun celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. But what
is this holiday really about? Let’s find out!
Who Was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was a man who lived a long time
ago. He was born in Britain but was taken to Ireland as a slave. After
escaping, he returned to Ireland to teach people about Christianity. He is now
the patron saint of Ireland. People celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to remember
him.
Fun Traditions on St. Patrick’s Day
- Wearing Green: People wear green
clothes because Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” Some believe it
brings good luck!
- Shamrocks: A shamrock is a small
green plant with three leaves. St. Patrick used it to teach about the Holy
Trinity.
- Parades: Many cities have big
parades with music and dancing. The largest ones are in Dublin, New York,
and Chicago.
- Irish Food: People eat Irish food
like corned beef, cabbage, and soda bread. Many also drink a famous Irish
beer called Guinness.
- Green River: In Chicago, the river
is dyed green for the day!
St. Patrick’s Day Around the World
This holiday started in Ireland, but now it
is celebrated in many places like the USA, Canada, and Australia. People of all
backgrounds enjoy the music, food, and fun traditions.
Fun Facts About St. Patrick’s Day
- The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in the USA in 1601, not
in Ireland!
- People drink about 13 million pints of Guinness on this day.
- St. Patrick wasn’t Irish—he was from Britain.
- The original color of St. Patrick was blue, not green.
Final Thoughts
St. Patrick’s Day is a happy holiday that
brings people together. Whether you are Irish or not, you can enjoy the
celebrations, wear green, and have fun!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
