St. Patrick's Day honors christian leader, brings luck

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held March 17 to honor the death of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. What made Patrick a saint was he converted Ireland into Christianity in 400 AD. 

When most people think of St. Patrick's Day, they think of shamrocks. They are a young sprig of a three leaved clover which has been used as the symbol of Ireland for a very long time. It’s an Irish national emblem because Saint Patrick used it in his teachings. The word “shamrock” comes from the Irish word seamrog which means “clover”.  Shamrocks have the meaning “good luck” because people would use them to see the evil spirits and escape them.  

“I have only found a four leaf clover three times and they have never gave me any good luck. I don't believe what people say they do, “ said senior Colby Wilcox. 

Pinching people on St. Patrick’s Day came from a folktale. When people wear green you are invisible to leprechauns. So, if you don't wear green the leprechauns are able to see you. People want to hide from leprechauns because they love to pinch because they are known to be mean. They may also be wanting to steal the leprechauns’ pots of gold. 

“I celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green and pinching people that are not wearing green. The reason I pinch people is because it is funny, ” said senior Jaylyn Sheppard. 

Many People celebrate this day by having parties or having dinner with their families by having some Irish food. Some Irish foods are Shepard pie, corned beef, and potatoes.