Home » Travel » Modern Customs » St Patrick's Day - March 17th

St Patrick's Day - March 17th

© Linda Campbell

Most of us are aware that St Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland. The popularity of his celebration throughout many nations is testimony to the influence that Irish immigrants have had on the countries where they have made their homes.

Patrick was born Maewyn Succat in 387AD, the son of Calphurnius, a Roman of high rank, and Conchesa. Calphurnius seems to have been a ‘decurio’ in either Gaul or Britain and the place of Patrick’s birth is uncertain although a number of sources (including the Catholic Encyclopedia) state that he was born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton in Scotland. Indeed, in the Middle Ages, pilgrimages were made to Kilpatrick in St Patrick’s honour. Others believe that he may have been born in Brittany.

At 15 years of age, Patrick was taken into slavery by Irish marauders. He spent six years in bondage to an Irish chief, Milchu. Patrick learned the language of the Irish Celts and through Milchu, a high priest, became familiar with their pagan religion. During this time, he sought solace in Christianity.

Circa 409 AD, Patrick had a vision of an angel and escaped soon after, making his way to a monastery in Gaul, where he became a student of St Germain.

He probably worked as a missionary with the Morini tribe in Gaul before travelling to Britain with St Germain to spread the Christian faith. St Patrick lived in Britain for 18 years. He became a Bishop and Pope St Celestius I entrusted him with taking Christianity to Ireland, bestowing on him the name “Patercius” or “Patritius” (the father of his people).

Patrick returned to Ireland, probably in 432 or 433 AD. He was not the first Christian missionary to travel there and Christian converts were present on the island. However, Patrick’s knowledge of the language and local religious practices no doubt aided him in being accepted by the local people.

Tales of Patrick’s miraculous powers surrounded him from the moment he set foot on Irish soil. He was reputed to have prevented an Irish chieftain from slaying him by rendering him immobile with a look. Patrick then began his campaign, turning to dust the pillar-stones dedicated to pagan gods.

In a sermon on Easter Sunday 433 AD, Patrick used a clover leaf to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the people. It is likely that the three-leafed clover was of special significance to the Celts as the number three was considered to hold mystical powers in the Druid faith (as it did in many other religions). Patrick may have known this when he picked the three-leafed plant. The shamrock has, of course, become a symbol for the Irish people.

The copyright of the article St Patrick's Day - March 17th in Modern Customs is owned by . Permission to republish St Patrick's Day - March 17th in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.