Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 03/02/1998 All articles from this issue

Most of us are green when it comes to knowing St. Patrick

printer friendly version

By Connie Chronis

Special to the Town Crier

On March 17, Saint Patrick's Day is a day when almost everyone feels a wee bit Irish. Not just an Irish holiday, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Australia, Africa, South America, and major European cities.

If someone were to ask, "Who was St. Patrick?" it's a sure bet most people know that he's the patron saint of Ireland. But did you know ... ?

1. St. Patrick wasn't from Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain (in or near present-day Scotland) in the year 389 A.D.

2. At age 16, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders, taken to Ireland, and forced into slavery.

3. Inspired by a dream, he escaped Ireland six years later by walking 200 miles to a coastal town. He boarded a ship that carried him back over the Irish Sea to freedom.

4. Some 20 years later, after entering the priesthood, he returned to Ireland as a bishop and spent the next 30 years of his life converting the Irish to Christianity.

5. Patrick died March 17, 461 A.D.

Be it folklore or fact, St. Patrick has been credited with ridding Ireland of its reptiles when he was atop Creagh Patrick, located near Clew Bay in County Mayo.

The shamrock is more than just a lucky charm symbol when connected with St. Patrick. Legend has it that Patrick used the shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity to the Irish. Just as a shamrock has three leaves that grow together from one stem, he explained that God was also three divine people: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Public celebrations of St. Patrick's Day today have evolved in a variety of ways. New York City boasts the largest parade in the nation with more than 100,000 participants marching to the sounds of Irish tunes. The city of San Antonio dyes the San Antonio River green and the town of Shamrock, Florida has become the official place to have your cards and letters postmarked "Shamrock" on March 17.

Chronis is a Los Altos resident.