·         On March 17, millions of people across the United States celebrate in the Irish tradition known as St. Patrick's Day. The holiday has been around for hundreds of years, and while the history of the holiday may be less of the focus today, it is still an important element. Understanding the history of St. Patrick's day can help a child appreciate it more and see why this holiday is still celebrated today through parades, colors and meals. Modern interpretations of the holiday feature the color green, shamrocks, leprechauns and pots of gold at the end of rainbows. To celebrate this day with children, have them dress in green clothes, play fun games and sing silly songs.

St. Patrick

·         The holiday is named after a religious figure who actually was never born in Ireland. At a young age, St. Patrick was kidnapped by pirates and forced into Ireland. He escaped his job as a slave and lived on the rich, green Ireland shores. He later left Ireland, became religious and returned to spread the faith of Christianity. He lived there for 30 more years, where he spread knowledge and writing through the Irish people. March 17 is the day he was rumored to die, and that was chosen as the official St. Patrick's Day.