Saint Patrick’s Day is approaching and that means that many people will be participating in its festivities.

Some traditions that people have for Saint Patrick’s Day you may not even know about. For example, though you may know to wear green and the association with leprechauns you may not know how Saint Patrick’s Day originated. It is about Ireland’s patron saint St. Patrick and how he spread Christianity in Ireland.

St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish, being born in Roman Britain to wealthy parents, including his father a Christian Deacon. At 16 he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland, where he was sold into slavery and herded sheep for six years. After having a dream he escaped and returned to Britain. He would eventually become a priest and returned to Ireland to spread the word of God under Christianity.

He was well-known for his “Confessions,” which were detailed stories about his past and his faith. His work is widely regarded as establishing Christianity in Ireland. He is most famous for the legend of using a Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan people. So, now you know the story of Saint Patrick’s Day.