1
a holy person chosen as a special protector or guardian for a place or group
patron saint
observe
to celebrate or honor a holiday, event, or tradition
an activity or event to mark a special day or achievement, usually with happy gatherings or parties.
celebration
a Christian idea that God is three persons in one: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Trinity
Who is St. Patrick?
A Christian missionary from the fifth century
not connected with religion; relating to everyday life and culture instead of religious practice.
secular
A missionary
a person who travels to teach others about a religion and to help start churches or communities.
a public celebration where people march, often with music, costumes, and floats.
parade
a custom or practice that people repeat over time
tradition
the ideas, art, customs, and way of life shared by a group of people.
culture
symbol
something that stands for or represents an idea, belief, or place (for example, the shamrock is a symbol of Ireland).
What date is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated each year?
March 17
the state of being kept as a prisoner or held against one’s will.
captivity
shamrock
a three-leaf clover that is a symbol of Ireland; St. Patrick used it to explain the idea of three-in-one in the Trinity.
At what age was St. Patrick kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave?
16 years old
After escaping, what did St. Patrick later do?
Returned to Ireland as a missionary
heritage
the traditions, beliefs, and culture passed down from earlier generations.
Which symbol did St. Patrick reportedly use to explain the Holy Trinity?
A shamrock
escape
to get away from a place where you are being kept or from danger.
When did St. Patrick’s Day become an official feast day in the Catholic Church?
Early 17th century
Where did some of the parade and drinking traditions of St. Patrick’s Day originate, according to the passage?
The United States in the mid-19th century
Which statement best describes how St. Patrick’s Day is observed today?
It is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage observed worldwide by people of many backgrounds.
The shamrock is used as a symbol on St. Patrick’s Day because:
St. Patrick used it to explain a religious idea.
Which sentence from the passage explains why St. Patrick is important to Irish history?
He spent the rest of his life spreading the Christian faith and building churches.
a special day set aside by a church to remember and honor a saint or important religious event.
feast day