HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY

 

Have you ever been in Ireland? 

This activity helps children learn more about Ireland and the traditions related to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day falls on 17th March, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. Although originally a Catholic celebration, it has become more and more secular with parades, music and songs both in Ireland and in countries to which the Irish have emigrated. In fact, the three largest parades of recent years have been held in Dublin, New York, U.S.A and Birmingham, England.

People wear green, the colour that represents the ‘Emerald Isle’ and shamrocks as a badge on the lapel. According to legend, Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagan. Three is Ireland’s lucky number and the three petals that make up the shamrock are supposed to bring good luck.

Sometimes, in the parades, you will see people dressed as leprechauns. Leprechauns are Ireland’s national fairy. They take the form of old men dressed in red or, more often nowadays, in green.

They are solitary creatures but they enjoy mischief. They spend their time making shoes and, as they are miserly, they stole a pot of gold which they hide at the end of the rainbow.

As shamrocks are typical and represent good luck, why not show the children how to make shamrock badges to wear or give as gifts?