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This Irish holiday is celebrated every year in the United
States on March 17 as a non-official holiday. Schools, bank, government
offices, and stores remain open. In Ireland, where it originated, it's
an official holiday. Canada, New Zealand,
and any country that has a large Irish population also celebrates this
day. Pictures below show important vocabulary related to St. Patrick's
Day.
St.
Patrick promoted Christianity throughout Ireland in the fifth
century when it was not a popular religion. He built churches
and converted many pagans to his religion. He was given the title
of "Saint" because it was believed he performed many miracles.
(A person become a saint when he or she does something that is
miraculous). According to one legend, St. Patrick rid Ireland
of a snake infestation, which is why his image is often shown
with snakes at his feet. (See the snakes around his feet in the
picture to the right?)
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| Ireland is an island (land surrounded
by water). It lies west of Great Britain. |
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| A three-leaf clover is also
called a shamrock. This image often represents Irish culture. |
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| A leprechaun is a mythical character
(not real). He's a very small person, and if you catch him, he
will lead you to a pot of gold. |
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| St. Patrick's Day is celebrated
in many cities in the U.S. with a big parade. Irish and non-Irish
people celebrate, and politicians often walk in it. |
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