St. Patrick’s Day

1. St. Patrick’s Day March 17th

2. What is St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick’s Day is the saint’s feast day It has evolved from a religious holiday to a worldwide celebration!

3. St. Patrick’s Day Overview • History of St. Patrick • Symbols of Ireland • Legends of Irish Culture • St. Patrick’s Day Traditions • Trivia Game!

4. The History of St. Patrick The patron saint of Ireland

5. Born in 387 AD in Scotland Father was a Deacon in the Church

6. Kidnapped by Pirates At age 16 years Taken to Ireland Sold as a Slave

7. Patrick took care of sheep for 6 years He learned the language. A voice spoke to him in a dream, “Your ship is waiting.”

8. The ship took Patrick to Britain He studied for 16 years in France to become a priest. Another dream, “Come and walk among us again.”

9. Converted many Irish to Christ He used the Shamrock as an example of the Trinity. Father Jesus (Son) Holy Spirit One God

10. Patrick died on March 17, 460 AD.

11. Symbols of Ireland The shamrock, or “seamroy,” symbolizes the rebirth of spring. It was later adopted as a symbol of Irish nationalism.

12. The Celtic Cross A sun (from the Celts) super-imposed on a cross (from the Christians)

13. The Leprechaun The leprechaun, or “lobaircin” means “small-bodied fellow”. They were responsible for mending the shoes of other fairies in Celtic folktales. It was given its “cute” features and popularized in the United States by Walt Disney.

14. The Flag of Ireland Green—people of the south Orange—people of the north White—symbolizes the peace that brings them together

15. Irish Dancing • Dancing the Irish jig is famous worldwide!

16. Legends of Irish Culture Leprechauns are unfriendly and possess a pot of gold. They are also magic and can grant wishes.

17. If you find a Leprechaun, you can trick him into showing you his gold. • The gold is hidden at the end of a rainbow.

18. But if you don’t watch the leprechaun very carefully… • He and the gold will disappear!

19. Some say that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland… But St. Patrick never drove snakes from Ireland The story is a metaphor for driving paganism from the island

20. Four Leaf Clover If you find a four-leaf clover you will have good luck.

21. St. Patrick’s Day Traditions and Celebrations • The first St. Patty’s day parade occurred when Irish soldiers in the British Army marched through New York City on March 17th, 1762.

22. Dye Rivers Green The Chicago River has been dyed green every year since 1962.

23. Traditional Food The rules of Lent are waived and people traditionally eat Irish bacon and cabbage. In the USA, Irish bacon has been replaced with corned beef for the annual feast.

24. Wear Green! People wear green clothes in honor of Ireland.

25. If you don’t wear green… You can be pinched!

26. St. Patrick’s Day ~~Trivia Game~~

27. Question #1 St. Patrick was the patron saint of

28. Answer #1: Ireland

29. Question #2 St. Patrick’s Day marks the date of St. Patrick’s

30. Answer #2 Death

31. Question #3 The shamrock has leaves.

32. Answer #3 Three

33. Question #4 Leprechauns are little make-believe that live in Ireland.

34. Answer #4 fairies

35. Question #5 If you catch a leprechaun, you can make him tell you where he hides his

36. Answer #5 Gold

37. Question #6 Leprechauns wear suits of the color

38. Answer #6 Green