Born in Wales, Saint Patrick first encountered Ireland when he was taken there as a slave by Irish pirates at the age of 16. He tended sheep for six years on Slemish Mountain in County Antrim before managing to escape back to England.
He became a priest, and expressed his desire to return to Irish soil so he could preach the faith throughout the island. However, a different Patrick was chosen by the bishop to go to Ireland, but historians maintain that he never made it across the turbulent Irish Sea.
Finally, Patrick got his wish, and his mission in Ireland lasted for 30 years. Afterward, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in A.D. 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.
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St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated publicly in Boston in 1737. The international celebrations then became increasingly common after the great potato famine forced huge numbers of Irish folk to America, Australia, and Europe.
Nowadays, the festivities are more of a secular celebration, but it is actually a religious feast day that falls during Lent. Custom has it that fasting was set aside for one day to allow the nation to celebrate their culture and rich harvest.
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