You may have seen pictures of this character wearing green with a red beard, who hides a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow! This is a Leprechaun, a creature from Irish folklore. You will see them more commonly in March, just before Saint Patrick’s Day.
Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is celebrated every year on 17 March. Saint Patrick was a Christian missionary who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century; he is now the patron saint of Ireland. Today the holiday is celebrated around the world, especially in countries with significant Irish populations such as America, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
St Patrick’s Day takes place during Lent, but fasting restrictions are lifted for the day, so the festival has become known as a day for drinking and revelry. It is no longer a purely religious holiday but also a celebration of Irish history and cultural pride.
Typical events include parades and céilithe (KAY-lee), social gatherings with traditional Irish music and dances. People often wear green clothes and shamrocks, a type of clover which is one of Ireland’s national symbols. Many cities will light up buildings and monuments with green lights and even dye rivers and fountains green!
Dublin, Ireland – March 17, 2011: Children in their colorful costumes, participating Dublin St Patrick’s day parade with spectators in mostly Irish colors!