Every year on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world. People wear green, have parties, and attend various parades to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day. However, many do not know the true meaning of this holiday. On this day, it marks the death of St. Patrick, who supposedly died around 460 AD. While many do not give much thought in the significance of St. Patrick’s Day, also known as St. Patty’s Day, it is a major holy day for the Irish.

St. Patrick is now known as an admired patron saint of Ireland. From a young age, he endured many hardships. For a majority of his childhood, he lived in Great Britain. Then at the age of 16, Irish invaders had attacked his family and held him captive in Ireland for 6 years. During this time in his life, he grew lonely and isolated from the world. At one of the lowest points in his life, is when he became a devout Christian and turned to his religion to seek comfort. We know that from his writings, he heard a voice in one of his dreams, that he believed was God. Within this dream, God urged him to escape Ireland. Soon after, he fled to Britain and continued to exercise his faith.

15 years later of undergoing vigorous religious study, Patrick was appointed a Priest and sent to Ireland. When living in Ireland, his main goal was to help other Christians and try to convert the Irish. In an effort to try to successfully convert as many people as possible, Patrick decided to incorporate Irish customs and emblems in some of his teachings. He felt that since he was already familiar with the Irish language and culture, that this would be a good way to introduce Christianity. Through Patrick’s way of teachings, the Celtic Cross was born. This famous and highly valued symbol was created by melding the sun, a powerful Irish icon, and the traditional Christian cross into one.

Now that you know a little bit of the history of St. Patrick’s day, you can appreciate this holiday a little more. The Hawthorne Clarion wishes everyone a Happy St. Patty’s Day and a Go Bears!