St Patrick’s day

17 March, St. Patrick’s Day, is the national day of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Born in Britain, he was carried off by pirates and spent six years in slavery before escaping and training as a missionary.

St Patrick is believed to have driven the snakes from Ireland. Once a pagan himself, St Patrick is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures.

The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint’s feast day also thought to be the date of the saint’s death. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City in 1766.

Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St Patrick’s Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green.

St David’s Day

St David’s Day is celebrated in Wales on 1 March, in honour of St David (Dewi Sant), the patron saint of Wales. He was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. He spread the word of Christianity across Wales.

The most famous story about Saint David tells how he was preaching to a huge crowd and the ground is said to have risen up, so that he was standing on a hill and everyone had a better chance of hearing him.

St David’s Day is commemorated by the wearing of daffodils or leeks. Both plants are traditionally regarded as national emblems.

On St David’s Day, some children in Wales dress in their national costume, which consists of a tall black hat, white frilled cap and long dress. The national flag of Wales, depicting a fiery red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) against a green and white background, is also flown.

4. Uk special observances with historical background St Valentine’s Day

Traditionally, spring begins on St Valentine’s^** Day (February 14^th), the day on which birds chose their mates. In parts of Sussex Valentine’s Day was called “The Birds’ Wedding Day”.

Each year in Britain, people spend around £503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine’s Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays people often make it clear who is sending each “Valentine”.

There are many traditions and tales associated with romance activities on Valentine’s day including:

• the first man an unmarried woman saw on 14^th February would be her future husband;

• if the names of all a girl’s suitors were written on paper and wrapped in clay and the clay put into water, the piece that rose to the surface first would contain the name of her husband-to-be;

• if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich person.