St. Patrick’s Day is a festive Irish holiday that is celebrated globally. Whether it’s by wearing green, partying, or drinking beer, many people around the world come together in festivities. But, where does this holiday come from, and who is St. Patrick?

St. Patrick was born Maewyn Succat in fifth century England, during the Roman era. When he was 16, he was kidnapped by a group of pirates and brought to Ireland, where he was enslaved for six years. Once he escaped and returned to Britain, he then travelled to France where he became a catholic priest, changing his name to Patricius.

It wasn’t until St. Patrick reached his 60s when he had a vision that told him to go back to Ireland to spread Christianity. Upon his return, he used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish. He chose one leaf each to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. According to legend, because of his spread of Christianity, snakes were banished from Ireland.

St. Patrick died on March 17, 461, marking the day as an official Catholic holiday. Irish immigrants used the day to celebrate their heritage, eventually spreading it globally, changing it from a somber religious holiday to the spirited celebration we know today!