March 17th is St. Patrick's Day -- an Irish holiday that is celebrated in many other countries.
St. Patrick with Shamrock and Crozier Art Print
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Patrick was not born in Ireland, but was taken there as a slave. He escaped and became a Christian priest. Later, he went back to Ireland to teach the people Christianity.
Ireland Poster
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In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday. People have the day off from work.
In most other countries, it is not a legal holiday. But in many of them -- especially countries where Irish people have immigrated -- it is celebrated anyway. In some large cities, like New York, there are parades. People get together with friends. Everyone wears green, the colour of Ireland.
Green Shamrock Sticker Decorations Photographic Print
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The shamrock, a symbol of Ireland, is used for decorations on St. Patrick's Day.
To learn more about holidays and everyday life in North America, get our e-book, Each Week for a Year. It comes in U.S. and Canadian editions. You can also buy a shorter e-book, Special Days in Canada, about Canadian holidays.
