A little St. Patty's test...

[Esquire]

Who was St. Patrick and what does the shamrock symbolize???

[Heathen]

Patron Saint of Ireland, no idea about the Shamrock.

Jim

[Eaglearcher]

Shamrock comes from the Irish word Seamrog. Legend says that during an argument with some Druids, St. Patrick used the shamrock to demonstrate the Christian Trinity. Its three leaves joined by a a single stem.

[Esquire]

Didn't know about the seamrog. The rest basically comports with my understanding:

The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn.

When he was 16, he was sold into slavery to Ireland where he was a shepherd for 6 years. While in captivity he studied and turned to religion. He escaped slavery and later returned to Ireland as a missionary, determined to convert Ireland to Christianity. He used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.

Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.

His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.

[Cato]

Boy was I ever in the dark. Thanks for the insight there Esquire. I might have to re-think the need to celebrate. :)