Many people associate St. Patrick’s Day with leprechauns dressed in green and pots of gold at the end of rainbows. However, the holiday also has deeper historical and religious significance.

According to Christian tradition, in the early fifth century, a Roman British boy, Patrick, lived comfortably under his wealthy deacon father. He went through life distant from the Catholic religion as he found everything in his life was fine without following his fathers’ teachings. However, when Patrick grew to around 16 years old, his life changed.

The coastal villa where the family lived was suddenly raided by Irish pirates. In the chaos, Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland. After a long and brutal voyage to the unfamiliar country, Patrick was sold into slavery. He worked for an Irish King, Miliucc, as a shepherd, and day after day Patrick would hike through green forests and tall mountains.

Patrick fell into deep despair and loneliness. The days of slavery were difficult and gruesome, so Patrick turned to the Catholic religion. He began to pray to God, although had little faith that God would answer his prayers. Yet, he was constantly drawn to prayer and desired communication with God.

After six long years of slavery, with not a prayer answered, Patrick’s life had suddenly changed. Laying in bed, tossing about, Patrick heard a voice in his dreams. “Soon you will depart for your home country,” said the voice. “Behold, your ship is ready.”

The morning of, Patrick took this chance and ran away from his master. He traveled two hundred long miles to reach the coast, in order to find a ship to take him back to Britain. This was a very perilous journey as very few slaves successfully escaped without being recaptured. Yet, Patrick managed to reach the shore safely.

He reached the shore safely, but his endeavor was not over. Initially, the captain of the ship refused Patrick’s boarding. He turned away defeated and began to pray. Before the prayer was finished, sailors had convinced the captain to change his mind, and Patrick was welcome on the ship.

After numerous years struggling through this treacherous sail, Patrick returned to his home. It was very difficult at first, trying to fit in with his lack of education and knowledge of what has occurred in society over the past years. According to Christian tradition, Patrick believed he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit in his dreams. He felt called by God to return to Ireland and help spread the word of the Bible. Patrick decided to follow those callings and become a missionary.

Throughout the rest of his life, Patrick traveled throughout Ireland, spreading the Gospel. Over time, hundreds converted their pagan beliefs to Catholicism. Patrick, despite having little formal education, helped establish Catholicism in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the man who brought the gospel and positive change to the country of Ireland. Since the 10th century, the people of Ireland have designated March 17th to celebrate this patron saint.

Centuries later, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held when homesick Irishmen fighting for the British military marched in New York City on March 17, 1762. Other major cities continued this celebration as Irish patriotism flourished within American immigrants. That enthusiasm for Irish heritage, along with the legacy of St. Patrick, helped shape the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations we see today.