St. Patrick's Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17. Americans march in parades, dance the Irish jig and gather to sing Irish songs. People wear green in memory of Ireland, the Emerald Isle and wear shamrocks, clover with three leaves.
March 17 was not the day St. Patrick was born but the day he died. Even though we don't know the date of his birth, most scholars believe the year was 385 AC and the year of his death was 461 AC.
St. Patrick was born in Wales, studied religion to become a priest and then went to Ireland to teach the people about God. There are many wonderful stories about St. Patrick, some true and some not true. The most famous legend is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. This did not happen but the Irish will tell you that you cannot find a snake throughout the whole country of Ireland.
The Leprechaun
The name leprechaun came from the Irish leath bhrogan (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma'n (Irish for pygmy). These apparently aged, little men are frequently found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker's work affected.They are known as The Fairies Shoemakers, and it is said that they just produce two shoes a year.
Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure (left by the Danes when they robbed around Ireland), burying it in jars or pots. This may be one reason why leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans because they think they are foolish, voluble and greedy creatures. If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. He carries two leather bags. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it. However, you must never take your eye off him, for he can vanish in an instant.
Post created by: Victoria Zanon, Lucas Faust, Cora Destefani, Vinícius Bernardes, Nickolas Vilbert, Júlia França.
