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The man eventually canonized as Saint Patrick by the Catholic Church was born to a wealthy family in AD 387 in Kilpatrick, Scotland. His real name was Maewyn Succat. It was his extensive missionary...

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July 01 2013 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

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Who was Saint Patrick, and why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Christian missionary and bishop credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Captured as a teenager by Irish raiders and enslaved, he later escaped to Britain but returned to Ireland as a missionary. St. Patrick's Day celebrates his legacy and broader Irish culture.

In the early fifth century C.E., the Roman Catholic Church sent Patrick as a missionary bishop to Ireland. His main objective was to convert the Irish to Christianity, and during his years of preaching and working among the people, Patrick is credited with having laid the foundation for the Catholic Church there.

His work took him to several locations across the country. One was the west of Ireland, where, according to some sources, he spent 40 days and nights on top of a mountain that came to be named after him​—Croagh Patrick (meaning "Hill of Patrick"). There, he fasted and prayed for the success of his mission.

Over the years, many legends have grown up around his exploits. One of the most famous is that while on that mountain, Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland.

Tradition has it that he built a small church on the summit. Although that building is long since gone, the original foundation still exists, and the site, as well as the mountain, has been a place of pilgrimage through the years.

Why is St. Patrick's Day celebrated?

Feast Day: St. Patrick's Day is observed on March 17, the traditional date of his death. It began centuries ago as a religious feast day in Ireland.

Global Festival: Over time, the holiday has evolved from a sombre religious observance into a massive, global celebration of Irish heritage, identity, and culture.

Traditions: Parades, the wearing of the green, and traditional music largely became popularised by Irish emigrants, particularly in the United States, before spreading worldwide.

Why the Shamrock and the Colour Green?

The Shamrock: This native Irish clover became a symbol of Irish nationalism and was historically used to symbolise Patrick's missionary work.

The Colour Green: Initially associated with St. Patrick's blue hue, the colour green became linked to the day during the 1798 Irish Rebellion, when the green shamrock was worn as a symbol of Irish pride. Wearing green is also tied to folklore that it makes you invisible to leprechauns (who will pinch you if they catch you).

Conclusion

Some Historical Facts: 

He wasn't Irish: St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain. At age 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and enslaved in Ireland before escaping and returning as a missionary.

His real name wasn't Patrick: He was born Maewyn Succat, adopting the name Patricius only after becoming a priest.

He isn't technically a saint: St. Patrick was never formally canonised by the Catholic Church. He holds his saintly status through popular recognition.

Blue was the original colour: Historically, St. Patrick was associated with blue. Green only became associated with the holiday and Ireland later, primarily because of the lush landscape and the shamrock.

It used to be a dry holiday: St. Patrick's Day began as a strictly observed Catholic holy day. In Ireland, pubs were required by law to remain closed on March 17 until 1970.

May 19 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report