St. Patrick's Day

1. St. Patrick's Day • Became a holiday in 1903 • Two Purposes: • It was to celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland • celebrates Irish culture and heritage in general • Unofficially it has been around since the 9th or 10th century: mass in the morning and then a day of feast • The official colour of St Patrick’s day used to be blue

2. Discussion Time • Why do you think the official colour of St Patrick’s day may have changed from blue to green? • Remember: hands up if you have a question!

4. A Little Bit About St. Patrick • St. Patrick was not Irish butBritish who was kidnapped at 16 • He escaped but returned to Ireland to become a missionary • used the three leave clover to explain the trinity • Originallythen, St. Patrick’s day involved going to mass, being in prayer, and reflecting on the teachings of St. Patrick • Pubs/bars had to be closed up until the 1970s • Died on March 17th which is why we celebrate it on that day today

5. Discussion Time • Why do you think St. Patrick’s day has changed from being a religious holiday to now, being celebrated as more of a “green day”? • Remember: hands up if you have an answer!

6. St Patrick's Day Now • First parade held in honor of St Patrick ’s Day took place in the United States in 1762 on March 17th. It was held by British soldiers. • Involves music, dance, parades, celebrations, patronage in Unites States and Canada with Irish people.

7. United States • They celebrate similar to Canada with parades, music, dancing and celebration of Irish culture • The Washington house fountain gets dyed every each to celebrate

8. Great Britain • Every year, London hold a huge parade in one of its major streets

9. International Space Station • Astronauts have even dressed in green for the occasion!

10. Discussion Time • If you were a grade 5 or 6 from Ireland, how would you feel about other countries celebrating a holiday about your country? • Remember: hands up if you have an answer!