St. Patrick's Day- is the historical Irish holiday . The holiday has British roots . It iscelebrated in honor of St. Patrick — the patron saint of Ireland. Traditionhas it that the saint banished all snakes from the island , broughtChristianity to Ireland .There are legends about St.Patrick. Accordingto one of them , St. Patrick was born in the family of a deacon of the localchurch Wales on March 17 of the year 415 . He was captured bypirates, when he was 16 years old . Theybrought him to Ireland , where he was in the service of the chief Milchan . He worked as a shepherd boy . Helater wrote that at that period of his life he prayed many times a day , hisfaith is all the more strengthened. Legendhas it that after six years he heard the voice of God , who told him that shewas coming home and that he is waiting for his ship . Patrickescaped from captivity and persuaded the captain to take him to the ship.Later,there was his familiarity with the French bishop Germanus (St. Germain) ,helped him gain a foothold in their spiritual development . Overthe years, the saint returned to Ireland as a missionary. It was requested by PopeCelestine I. CroaghPatrick mountain was named in honor of St. Patrick's Day because it is fortydays and nights fasting there. Accordingto legend, it was on this mountain and made it holy miracle. Heordered all the snakes from Ireland to gather at his feet , after which he haddriven them .Autobiographyof a saint, called "Confession" has survived to the present day , aswell as one of his message and prayer "Prayer of the deer " ("The Shield of St. Patrick's Day "). This prayer protects against allevil . Legendhas it that with this prayer he and his students passed the ambush enemies ofChristianity. Awar in ambush instead of the travelers saw the deer run past them .Traditionally,the feast of St. Patrick's Day costume parades are held with brass bands . Accordingto many , the Americans have brought this tradition to the holiday.Todayis the Feast Day of St. joy and celebration of spring. Itis celebrated not only in the UK and Ireland, but also beyond.
