St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, in honor of St Patrick’s death in the fifth century.
St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, and it’s national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to it’s people.
The Irish have observed this day as a Religious Holiday for over 1000 years. On this day, that falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend Church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.
Lenton prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waved and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.