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St. Patrick's Day Ideas
When is it?:
March 17
This is an Irish a national holiday for
a man named Maewyn Succat. Yes, there was a St. Patrick, but that
was his real name.
Succat was born into a well-to-do
merchant family in 379A.D., somewhere in the connected British Isles
of Scotland, Wales and England, but not Ireland. Depending on what
source you consult, it gives different regions, but the spelling of
the name lends itself to a Welsh origin.
At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and forced into slavery, returning
to England after six years, during which he had accepted God and
dedicated his life to religious study. He traveled to France
eventually, putting his heart into his studies. But Succat was still
considered to be something of a rough gem, so despite frequent please
to be sent back to Ireland, he was turned down. Then the residing
prelate died in 431A.D. and the newly minted Patrick was on his way
"home".
Ireland, being a country rich in folklore, has surrounded the
character of St. Patrick with many stories about the symbolism used in
his teachings. That same symbolism is attributed with the creation of
the legend that says St. Patrick cast all the snakes out of Ireland.
(There are incidentally, no snakes there.) It is likely a
representation of St. Patrick's adherence to his faith in driving all
the pagans out of the country.
After 30 years serving the people of Ireland, St. Patrick retired, and
died shortly thereafter, on March 17, 461A.D. What began as a Catholic
holy day, became over the years, a festival celebrating the Irish
spirit and culture.
Other Resources
History of Leprechauns
St. Patrick's Day Games and Activities for Kids
St. Patrick's Day Meals and Recipes
Free St. Patrick's Day Coloring Pages
Free St. Patrick's Day History Book
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