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St. Patrick's Day is
observed each year on
March 17.
St. Patrick's Day
invokes the spirit of
St. Patrick, the patron
saint of Ireland who is
credited with bringing
Christianity to the
island.
Observed as a
religious occasion in
Ireland, the more
secular American
celebration recognizes
the contributions of
Irish people to American
life. St. Patrick's Day
in the U.S. is often
marked with festive
parades and the wearing
of green.
The shamrock as a
symbol of St. Patrick's
Day recognizes the
saint's use of the
clover to explain the
Christian concept of the
Trinity – the three
leaves representing the
Father, Son and Holy
Spirit, with the stem
representing the
Godhead.
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