The Lucky COlor Green by Alexandra Rought March 22, 2007

Lucky green men, who dance around pots gold at the end of a rainbow, have been included in folklore stories in Ireland for centuries. There is another folklore that almost everyone in America and Ireland have known or heard of, the story of St. Patrick. It is remarkable how many people have no idea why we celebrate the holiday. Nonetheless, most view this celebration as a time to drink and party because it is believed that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick was the patron Priest of Ireland, who was born in Whales in 385 AD. He was six years old when he was taken into slavery by a group of Irish marauder, raider. His infamous name began spreading when found god, while in captivity. He became a saint when he turned the young age of sixteen. He was determined to turn pagans to Christianity. Although many people disputed with him and frowned upon his quest, his determination made it last for thirty years. He finally returned to his home country where he died on March 17 461 AD. Since then, it has been his day ever after.
The legend of St. Patrick is that he chased all of the snakes out of Ireland and they drowned in the ocean. Though snakes are not natives in Ireland, the legend still rings strong in the green hills of Ireland. A huge symbol for this day is the four leaf clover, which originated from a unique and odd shaped week St. Patrick used to describe the trinity. The color green is also a huge part of the day because it is the national color of Ireland and because St. Patrick days is commemorated a few days before spring. Therefore, it represents the first green of the season.
The holiday was first celebrated in the United States in 1737 in the Boston, Massachusetts. Now over 100 United States cities hold St. Patrick’s Day in honor of the great Saint himself.