St. Patricks Day is a national holiday for the Irish people.

Celebrated on 17th March, the date on which St. Patrick died.

It is also celebrated in… Canada UK Australia USA New Zealand

Celebrations are generally themed around all things green and Irish.

The symbols of St. Patrick's Day

The shamrock One traditional symbol of Saint Patrick's Day is the Shamrock. It is a three-leafed old white clover. Many people believe that a shamrock with four petals represents good luck.

The shamrock was chosen Ireland's national emblem because of the legend that St. Patrick had used it to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity is the idea that God is really three-in-one: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

THE Leprechaun The Leprechaun is an Irish fairy. He looks like a small, old man (about 2 feet tall), often dressed like a shoemaker, with a top hat. They usually stand about 2 feet tall. Treasure hunters can often track down a leprechaun by the sound of his shoemaker's hammer.

The pot of gold Irish legend says that if you can catch a leprechaun, he must lead you to his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The rainbow

THE Harp The harp is an ancient musical instrument used in Ireland for centuries. It is also a symbol of Ireland. Although it is not as recognizable as the shamrock, the harp is a widely used symbol. It appears on Irish coins, the presidential flag, state seals, uniforms, and official documents.

The shillelagh The Shillelagh is known as a Saint Patrick's Day symbol and a walking stick. Historically they used to be clubs that were used at weapons. These walking sticks usually have a green ribbon wrapped around them for Saint Patrick's Day.

GREEN The color green is the top symbol for Saint Patrick's Day. In Ireland, there is plentiful rain and mist, so the 'Emerald Isle' really is green all year-round. Wearing green on Saint Patrick's Day brings respect to Ireland, and can bring someone good luck.

St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

Colorful parades in honor of St. Patrick take place in cities throughout the world.

Green food coloring goes a long way to make a very special St. Patrick's Day menu.

School children have started a little tradition of their own. They pinch classmates who don't wear green on this holiday. Don’t be caught without green on St. Patrick’s Day. Save yourself from unnecessary pinching by wearing green clothes!

The city of Chicago has developed a unique tradition of coloring the river water green. It started in 1962 when 100 pounds of green vegetable dye were added to its river, enough to keep it green for a week. The tradition has continued till date. Now, 40 pounds of a green food coloring keep the river green for only a few hours.

The better way to celebrate Ireland's national holiday is to kiss the Blarney Stone atop Blarney Castle. Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the gift of persuasive eloquence. The legend says that an old woman cast a spell on the stone to reward a king who had saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly. It's difficult reach the stone. Kissers have to lie on their back and bend backward or downward, holding iron bars for support.

QUESTIONS 1. What are you supposed to do with the Blarney Stone? a Hide it. b Keep it for good luck. c Kiss it. d Rub it. 2. What did St. Patrick use the shamrock for? a To feed people who were on the verge of starvation. b To drive the snakes out of Ireland. c To explain the doctrine of the Trinity. 3. Leprechauns like to hide their gold here. a In a cave. b Under a rock. c In a field of shamrocks. d At the end of the rainbow.

4. Wear this color on St. Patrick's Day, or you might get pinched! a Green. b Gold. c Black. d Purple. 5. Which one of the following is NOT a St. Patrick's Day tradition? a. wearing green b. having parades c. women asking the men to dance 6. St. Patrick's followers adopted the custom of wearing what on his feast day? a. a shamrock b. a green scarf c. a rose d. a rainbow pin

May your neighbors respect you, Troubles neglect you, The angels protect you, And Heaven accept you.

For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way- Good health, good luck, and happiness For today and every day.

Dance as if one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, And live every day as if it were your last.

Celebrate ! St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17 every year.