Ireland By: Caitrin Dolan 4/10/07

Who is St. Patrick Patron Saint of Ireland First came to Ireland when he was captured by a group of Irish raiders After escaping he became a priest Brought Christianity to Ireland Within two hundred years of Patrick's arrival, Ireland was completely Christianized. founded more than 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000 people. died on March 17, around 460 A.D

The Snakes St. Patrick once stood on a hilltop and with only a wooden staff by his side, banished all the snakes from Ireland. Snakes were never native to the island The "banishing of the snakes" was really a metaphor for the eradication of pagan ideology from Ireland and the triumph of Christianity. Within two hundred years of Patrick's arrival, Ireland was completely Christianized.

History of St. Patrick’s day The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for thousands of years. First parade took place in New York City on March 17, 1762. St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. Up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17.

Associated With St. Patrick’s Day Drinking Corn Beef and Cabbage Irish Soda Bread Wearing Green Parades Shamrocks Irish dancing

Today In the Republic of Ireland there are about 30 cities that have parades Now called “St. Patrick’s Festival” in Ireland St. Patrick's Festival was established by the Government of Ireland in November 1995. The festival is a week long event The festival includes music, street theatre, family carnivals, comedy, street performances, dance, a treasure hunt, night spectacles