Saint Patrick was the patron saint and the national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland.
He is most known for driving the snakes from Ireland. It is true there aro no snakes in Ireland, but never have been. As in many old pagan religions, serpent symbols were common and often worshipped.
Saint Patrick´s day has been associated with everything Irish: green and gold, shamrocks, luck... Saint Patrick´s day is a traditional day for spitirual renewal.
The Irish are descendants of the ancient Celts, but the Vikings, Normans and English contributed to the ethnic nature of the people. English rule eliminated the use of the ancient Gaelic, or Irish, language.
Saint Patrick is celebrated on 17th of Martch because is the day that he died: that is the theory.
With the exception of restaurants and pubs, almost all businesses close on March 17th.
In American cities with large Irish population, Saint Patrick´s day is a very big deal, celebrated with parades "wearing of the green", music and songs, Irish food and drink, activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games.
Some comunities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!!
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