Saint Patrick’s Day as been celebrated on March 17th since the early seventeenth century. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, as well as the celebration of all things Irish; culture and heritage. It is widely celebrated all around the world, especially in the US, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Saint Patrick has become the most recognized and famous of the Patron Saints of Ireland. Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the forth century into a wealthy family. At the age of sixteen he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland as a slave. According to his confession, he was told by God to flee from captivity and return to Britain.

Patrick returned to Britain and studied to become a priest. At night it was said that Patrick would hear in his dreams the call from the Irish. They called him to come and free them from paganism, “crying to thee, come hither and walk with us once more.” Patrick’s wish was fulfilled when he was ordained a bishop and returned to Ireland.  Patrick set out to bring Christianity to Ireland and spread the teachings of Christianity across the country. He helped build churches, baptized pagans into Christianity and also ordained bishops and priests.

Take a look at this charming short video from Brown Bag Films of a child telling the story of Saint Patrick to her school teacher. 

After nearly 30 years of devoting his life to spreading Christianity, he died on the 17th March, 461. It is believed that he is buried at Down Cathedral, Downpatrick (shown in the top image). It was said that on the day Saint Patrick died that the sun did not set, but shone from twelve days and nights. Saint Patrick is most famously credited for introducing Christianity to Ireland and for his famous teachings using the symbolic shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to the people of Ireland. March 17th has been commemorated St Patrick’s Day ever since. Celebrate March 17th in style and take a look at our extensive collection of St Patrick’s Day gifts at TheIrishStore.com.