St. Patrick’s Day History, Why Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day? Learn about the History of St. Patricks Day

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Why does everyone where Green on St. Patrick’s Day?

“March 17 has become synonymous with the color green, shamrocks, green beer, and pub crawls, so it’s ironic to think the day began with a Saint.

St. Patrick was actually born in England to wealthy parents, not particularly religious. When he was 16, he was taken prisoner by Irish criminals and he spent six years in captivity in Ireland. Though the location of his captivity is debated, (some argue Mount Slemish in County Antrim, others say County Mayo near Killala.) what is important to note is that he looked to Christianity for comfort during this lonely time.

According to St. Patrick’s writings, a voice he believed belonged to God, spoke to him after six years in captivity and told him to leave Ireland. And he had a trip! It was almost a 200 mile walk to the Irish coast. When he got to Britian, he had another vision in which an angel told him to return to Ireland as a missionary. There, he began converting the Irish to Christianity and minister to the Christians already living there.

The seventeenth of March is believed to be the day St. Patrick died in the fifth century and it also happens to fall during the Lenten season. The Irish have been celebrating his feast day for thousands of years.”(www.am570radio.com)

So go out, have a good Irish Beer… and die your rivers green!!