There have been many legends attributed to this saint throughout the centuries. St. Patrick’s Day began as a Holy Day in the Catholic Church, but over the years this religious Catholic saint’s day has turned into a more secular celebration of the upcoming new spring. Here are a few facts about St. Patrick’s Day:
- Maewyn is the name St. Patrick was given at birth. His name was changed by the Bishop in a monastery in France, after he escaped his captivity. He was not religious as a child.
- March 17, the day of celebration, is the day of Patrick’s death.
- The first St. Paddy’s day parade in America was in 1737, 40 years before the Revolutionary War.
- Irish dishes include corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, Irish cream pie, Irish soda bread, scones, and Irish cheese bread.
- Patrick was a missionary in Ireland during
the 4th century. - The Shamrock, symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, was a plant with three leaves that Patrick used to demonstrate to the pagans the trinity of God.
