Snakes, Shamrocks, and History: Getting Ready for St. Patrick’s Day

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday next week, the “green energy” is already building this second week of March. But before the parades and the green milkshakes take over, it’s worth looking at the man behind the myth.

The British Saint?

Believe it or not, St. Patrick wasn’t Irish. He was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. At 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and spent six years in Ireland as a slave. He eventually escaped, only to return later as a missionary.

The Snake Myth

The most famous legend is that Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Science tells us that Ireland, being an island, likely never had snakes after the last ice age. Most historians agree that the “snakes” were a metaphor for the pagan druid symbols he was working to replace.

The Shamrock Lesson

Why the three-leaf clover? Legend says Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people—three separate leaves on a single stem.

This week, as you start seeing the green decorations go up, remember that the holiday is a unique blend of history, folklore, and the celebration of a culture that has influenced the world. Get your green ready—next week is going to be a big one!