The history of St. Patrick’s day is told that St. Patrick was kidnapped by Ireland at a young age and used as a slave. He then escaped, having converted over a hundred Irish citizens to Christianity.

Many legends followed him, such as he kept all the snakes out of Ireland and used a shamrock to explain the trinity. Although this holiday originated in Ireland, America has made the holiday more toward celebrating everything Irish.

St, Patrick’s day observes the death of St. Patrick, but America has made this holiday into something that we celebrate with the color green, shamrocks, and leprechauns. Americans have also created traditions that younger children hear to get them involved in the holiday.  It is said there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and that a four-leaf clover is a sign of luck.

Another tradition that was created was on Saint Patrick’s day you must be wearing green otherwise your friends and family will pinch you. The reason to wear green because it symbolizes a leprechaun, who is known to pinch people.

Boston and New York have held parades for Saint Patrick’s day and since 1962 Chicago has colored its river green days before the holiday. This holiday is a fun way to teach children about different traditions from around the world.