Today is the day of wearing green. I'm sure you have a little Irish in you. I know I do. But did you know St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland wasn't even Irish? It is true!
St. Patrick was actually born in Britain while it was under Roman rule. When he was a young teenager he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. His job was to herd sheep. During his six or so years in captivity, he turned to Christianity. And one day he heard from God to leave Ireland by going to the coast. He made his escape by hitching a ride from a boat he found at dock. Seems like perfect timing.
When Patrick made it back home to Britain, he reunited with his family and at age 20 began studying for the priesthood. After he was ordained, he headed back to Ireland as a missionary. This is when all the legends began about St. Patrick. What we do know, is that he converted many Irish to Christianity. He used the shamrock, or clover to demonstrate the Holy Trinity. He also established many churches in Ireland.
One myth states that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland. I believe this is a metaphor for Patrick confronting the Druids and converting them to Christianity, therefore cleansing the island of paganism. And really, Ireland never had snakes to begin with.
Patrick died on March 17, 461 and was pretty much lost in the archives until he became the patron saint of Ireland. It wasn't until the 1700s that people started wearing shamrocks to show their Irish Christian pride. Later, they just started wearing the color green. The first St. Patrick's Day parade actually occurred in the United States during the Revolutionary war. Since then, St. Patrick's Day has exploded. Parades go on in cities world wide. Chicago dies their river green and green beer flows all over the place.
So on this day, take a little time to remember the real St. Patrick. He must have had a strong love for the people who made him a slave to go back and share the love of God with them. So please save one toast for St. Patrick and don't forget to wear your green.
Sources: Catholic.org
History Channel
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