If you were to do a search on the history of St. Patrick's day you may come up with several stories. The one my Granny (last name Kelly from Ireland) told me, and the reason I celebrate St. Patrick's Day, is a Christian legend.

St. Patrick was born Maewyn from Wales in 385 AD, and eventually became Bishop to Ireland. His mission lasted 30 years and he was quite successful at converting pagans to Christainity. During this time, he gave a sermon that drove the snakes out of Ireland. Of course, snakes are not native to Ireland, but this was used as a metaphor for the conversion of pagans.

A shamrock, the plants being abundant throughout Ireland, was worn to represent a Christian. Much like we would wear a cross. An Irish tale tells of St. Patrick using the 3 leaves of a shamrock to explain the Trinity, representing how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity.

He died March 17 in 461 AD. Thus celebrating his life on March 17.

So as you wear green today, and celebrate St. Patrick's Day, give a little thanks to our Christian God for placing courageous people like Maewyn around our world to spread His Good News of Jesus Christ.