Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on the 17th of March each year and is a national holiday in Ireland. The day honors Saint Patrick, a 5th-century missionary who spread Christianity throughout Ireland. The day itself has become synonymous with all things Irish – namely shamrocks, Guinness (the national beer), and a whole lot of green!

The St. Patrick's Day folklore also has deep roots in Irish history and culture. The most well-known tale is the one about Saint Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes by chasing them into the sea. Although this story has been debunked, the legend lives on as an enduring symbol of Ireland's independence from foreign invaders or threats. To this day, you can still find many people wearing green clothing and shamrocks to celebrate the holiday.
 
The origins of St. Patrick's Day can be traced back to Ireland in the 1700s when it was a religious holiday observed by members of the Church of Ireland. In recent years, the holiday has become more secularized, with parades, music, food, and other celebrations taking place throughout Ireland and around the world.
 
The most recognizable symbol associated with St Patrick's Day is undoubtedly the shamrock - three-leaf clover that was used by Saint Patrick himself to explain the holy trinity during his sermons. The shamrock has since become a symbol of Irish identity and pride, with people wearing it on St Patrick's Day to show their allegiance to Ireland.
 
In addition to the shamrock, other traditional symbols associated with St Patrick's Day include leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows. These symbols have come to represent luck and prosperity in Irish culture. In recent years they have also been popularized as part of the festivities that take place around the world on March 17th.
 
In the United States, St. Patrick's Day has become popularized with events such as parades, festivals, and parties featuring traditional Irish music, dancing, and of course, green beer. The famous dyeing of the Chicago River, every year on St. Patrick's Day, is an iconic event that draws thousands of people each year. It is also becoming increasingly popular to observe "St. Practice Day" (March 16th), which serves as a precursor to St. Patrick's day festivities in many cities throughout the US.

So whether you choose to don a green hat or wear a clover-shaped pin, make sure you join in the celebrations this Saint Patrick's Day! Celebrate Irish heritage and share your love for Ireland by joining in the festivities and donning a shamrock!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!