The patron saint of the Irish people had Gaelic origins: his real name is believed to have been Maewyn Succat but he was baptised and given the name of 'Patrick' or 'Patricus' after migrating to Britain.
When he was 16 years old, he was captured by the pirates and forced to work as a slave for six years.
He finally escaped from slavery and went to France, where he became a priest. Later he returned to Ireland where he worked as a missionary for about 40 years. He was ordained as a Bishop of Ireland in 431. He preached the word of Christ extensively but established a number of churches, schools and colleges in the country. His profound influence on Ireland elevated him to the position of a national hero and the hero of various legends.
According to one legend - the legend of the snakes - St. Patrick is supposed to be the one who drove away snakes from the Island. Though there are facts disputing this belief, it has often been assumed that this legend is actually a metaphorical way of saying that St. Patrick fought against and was victorious over the pagan forces in Ireland.
There is another legend that says - St. Patrick used the Shamrock leaf to preach the concept of Christian Trinity to the Irish people. The three leaflets of each leaf is believed to represent - God, The Holy Spirit and the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
