Discovering the Origins and Traditions of St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated globally on March 17th, but many are unaware of its origins. Saint Patrick, born in Brittany, was kidnapped by Irish raiders and later became a Christian missionary in Ireland. Myths about him include driving snakes from Ireland, though the island never had snakes. The shamrock, used by Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity, became a symbol of Irish pride. The tradition of parades began in America, with the first recorded in New York in 1762. Today, the New York parade is the largest, with millions participating.

Where was Saint Patrick originally from?

• Ireland

• Britain

• Rome

• Brittany

What did Saint Patrick do after returning to Ireland?

• Worked as a Christian missionary

• Became a king

• Drove snakes out of Ireland

• Started the first Saint Patrick's Day parade

What does the myth of Saint Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland symbolize?

• A literal removal of snakes

• The elimination of paganism

• The introduction of Christianity

• The start of wildlife conservation

What plant did Saint Patrick supposedly use to explain the Holy Trinity?

• Rose

• Daisy

• Shamrock

• Oak

What does wearing green on Saint Patrick's Day originally signify?

• Irish nationalism

• Love for nature

• Irish Christian pride

• Luck

What is the significance of the shamrock in Saint Patrick's Day celebrations?

• It signifies the beginning of spring

• It was used to explain the Holy Trinity

• It symbolizes Ireland

• It represents luck

Where did the tradition of Saint Patrick's Day parades start?

• Dublin, Ireland

• Boston, USA

• New York, USA

• London, England

What event caused a large number of Irish immigrants to move to America?

• The great potato famine

• The gold rush

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• World War I

When was the first record of a Saint Patrick's Day parade in New York?

• 1776

• 1900

• 1762

• 1840

How many participants does the New York Saint Patrick's Day parade boast?

• About 100,000

• Close to 200,000

• Over 300,000

• Nearly 50,000