*The author of this page does not endorse nor is she responsible for the ad's on the Geoguide or LExchange banners.*



Click here to break free of someone else's frames!!

Happy St Patricks Day

Shamrock line

Leaping Leprechaun


The History Of St Patricks Day


The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and he almost didn't get the job of bishop of Ireland because he lacked the required scholarship.

Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. He was sent to herd sheep and swine. During this time, Patrick, in his pain and suffering found the one true God and to him he pledged his life.

Years later, and now a young man, Patrick had a dream. A vision that he followed and escaped to his family from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity. After many years of study to become a priest, Patrick dreamed of returning to Ireland. often in his dreams he could hear the voice of the Irish, "crying to thee, come hither and walk with us once more."

His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the pagans that had overrun the country. But his superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed by Pope Celestine fulfilling his wish and commissioning him as second bishop to Ireland, to preach the gospel to the Celtic people. Patrick returned to Ireland and established churches and places of learning and worship.

Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.

His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick's Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated.


Shamrock line


The Legends of St Patricks Day


Snake

The Serpents

Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes and other venomous creatures from Ireland by banging on a drum. He did this so well that that it's said it is instant death for any such creature to touch Irish soil. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday.


Shamrocks

The Shamrock

One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. When Patrick returned to Ireland to preach the gospel, he found that the pagan Irish could not understand the meaning of the trinity. By using a shamroc, in his sermons he was able to show them how the three leaves combined to make a single plant, to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. The Irish understood at once and the shamroc became the symbol of the land. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.


Shamrock line


Paddy Says Happy St Patricks Day

The Story of the Leprechaun

The leprechaun is said to be a very small sprite who sometimes live in farmhouses or wine cellars. They are called fairy cobblers because they make shoes elves (only one never a pair.) They are seen often by humans and are described as merry little fellows, gaily dressed in old-fashioned clothing. According to legend they possess a treasure. (usually a pot of gold) which a human can get if you can capture one. Even after they are captured you cannot take your eyes off of them for even one second or they will disapear.

The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick's Day was publicly celebrated in this country, in Boston.

Shaleilee

Pot O GoldPaddy lost his Pot-O-Gold!! Can you help him find it?

St Patricks Links

These are some links to some interesting
pages. I hope you enjoy them!!

Beer MugSt. Patrick's Wishes Beer MugSt. Patrick's Animations
Beer MugSt. Patrick's Day History & Myths Beer MugSt. Patrick's Recipe Corner
Beer MugSt. Patrick's Gift Shop Beer MugSend a St. Patrick's Day cards
Beer MugThe Claddagh Ring Beer MugSt. Patrick Screen Saver

Shamrock line

Sign My Guestbook My Guestbook View My Guestbook

Email

Counter
visits so far!!



Back

~Some of the graphics are originals on this page and are not for download!!~

Most of the graphics on this page came from Heartwarming Holidays Logo Graphics created and Copyright © by Heartwarming Holidays all rights reserved!

Some of my graphics came from Hobo's Country Graphics Logo Some graphics created and Copyright © by Hobo's Country Graphics all rights reserved!

This web site was created by CL&M Tuck © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 & 2001.

This site was last updated Monday, February 11, 2002.

This page hosted byGeo Logo Free Home Pages!