St. Patrick’s Day

IRISH FLAG

Who was St. Patrick? St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland. He converted many Irish to Christianity in the 5 th century. St. Patrick introduced the Roman Alphabet in Ireland. St. Patrick died on 17 th March in 461. St. Patrick’s Day is a religious worldwide celebration because Irish people have emigrated in many countries in different continents

What do Irish people do on this day ? Christians attend church in the morning There are big parades in many cities with floats or decorated lorries People wear something green and carry Irish flags, some of them paint the shamrock on their faces Bands play traditional music ;you can see pipe bands and marching soldiers People sing traditional Irish songs and do famous Irish dances People eat traditional Irish food and drink Guinness,a type of dark beer In Boston there is the oldest parade in the USA In Chicago the river is dyed green and stays green for many days

St. Patrick’s Day Symbols The Celtic Cross The shamrock is a green plant with 3 leaves and it symbolizes the rebirth of spring. Saint Patrick used it to explain the concept of Holy Trinity to Christians The leprechaun is a character from Irish folklore.He’s the fairies’ shoemaker.He is very rich and keeps his money in a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.He is old,his hair is red, his eyes are black and his nose is hooked.He ‘s got a squeaky voice and he isn’t very friendly. He always wears green clothes,boots and a tall hat

St. Patrick’s Day Symbols Music has always been an important part of Irish life. The harp is the traditional Irish instrument A legend says St. Patrick drove snakes from Ireland. The traditional meal is Irish bacon and cabbage. In the United States it has been replaced with corned beef