On March 17, many countries around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day, which is considered the patron saint of Ireland.. According to legend, it was he who expelled snakes from the island, and also brought Christianity here..

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history of the holiday.

The holiday was established by the Catholic Church in the 17th century.. Although Saint Patrick is considered the patron saint of Ireland, the holiday is celebrated not only in this country, and not only by the Irish.. The holiday is considered the day of Irish culture and symbolizes the adoption of Christianity by this country..

Many legends are associated with the name of the saint.. So, it is believed that with the help of a three-leaf clover he explained to people the meaning of the Holy Trinity.. "

Holiday traditions.

On St. Patrick's Day, fasting restrictions are lifted, alcohol can be consumed.

It is also customary to organize parades on the holiday.. So, the parade in Boston has been organized since 1737, and in New York since 1762..

The color of St. Patrick's Day is green. It is customary to wear green clothes on a holiday, and Chicago even paints the river green.. But it was not always so.

Until the Irish soldiers wore green during the uprising, blue was considered the color of the holiday..

In Ireland, a shamrock is attached to clothing, which is a symbol of Catholicism and the country itself..

The motto of the holiday fits in one word - Craic, which means " On this day it is customary to drink beer and dance the group Irish dance " During this dance, the upper part of the dancer stands at attention while the lower part makes intricate movements..