| On March 17, 431AD, when Patrick of Ireland died, | | | | and Catholicism to the Irish of the 4th and 5th |
| a new holiday was born. Though the celebrations | | | | century is mainly attributed to St. Patrick, who |
| began in the 700's as a traditional Catholic Holy | | | | received the name of Patrick while in seminary |
| Day, over the years St. Patrick's Day has | | | | after his captivity in Ireland. Traditions that |
| become more a secular holiday which marks the | | | | originated back in the 7th century have changed |
| beginning for spring. The official date for the | | | | from being strictly religious to a St. Patrick's Day |
| beginning of spring is March 21, and this also | | | | where "everybody is Irish for the day". Catholics |
| supports the tradition of wearing green. Green is | | | | will start the day off at early mass which signifies |
| the color for life and growth and if you desire | | | | the beginning of the holiday. Tradition has it that |
| good luck and on this day, you should "be wearin' | | | | St. Patrick often used a Shamrock to explain to |
| a touch o' the green!The spreading of Christianity | | | | pagans the concept of the Trinity. |