St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated by the Irish for over a thousand years. It is celebrated on March 17th of every year to commemorate the death of Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick lived during the fifth century and is known as the patron saint of Ireland. Originally from Roman Britain, he was captured and transported to Ireland when he was 16. After his escape he was credited with bringing Christianity to his people. 

St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with a three or four leaf clover. This connection began when St. Patrick returned from Ireland. He explained the Holy Trinity to his people (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) using a three leaf clover, also known as a shamrock. The celebratory parades started in America after Irish Americans began pouring into the country to escape the Great Potato Famine of 1845. In order to show appreciation for their culture, the Irish would celebrate the holiday by wearing green and marching on the streets. 

In our current society people still honor this tradition by continuing to wear green. The holiday has also established itself with leprechaun and pots of gold. Some people even resort to pinching whoever does not have green on that day. What started as a small gathering of people has become a nationally recognized holiday.