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On March 17, don’t be caught not wearing something that’s green! The penalty is usually a good pinch! This tradition comes from Saint Patrick’s Day; named for the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick lived from 385 to 461, and is credited with converting Ireland from Druidism to Christianity. According to legend, he is said to have been born in Roman-occupied Britain and was captured and enslaved by the Irish.

He later escaped and, after his conversion to Christianity, he returned to Ireland and began a successful mission to Christianize the land. He was especially well received because he learned the dialects and customs of Ireland while he was a slave and was able to relate to the Irish in their own language. Today, people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green. In Irish bars and restaurants you might find that food itself turns green to celebrate the holiday. Your parents could drink green beer, and you could eat something delicious like green eggs! Yummy!