The stories say that Saint Patrick grew up in the Roman British Isles and was kidnapped by a band of pirates when he was sixteen years old. They transported him to Ireland and sold him into slavery.

After six years as a slave, Saint Patrick escaped and retreated back to Britain where he decided to become a priest. As he was doing his studies, he had a dream that the Irish people were calling him back to Ireland to convert them to Christianity, so that's what he did.

It is believed that Saint Patrick died on March 17th. His death was commemorated with a festival that was held each March 17th, which has today become our celebration of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

We use the color green to represent St. Patrick's Day because of the lush green landscape of Ireland known as the Emerald Isle.

Shamrocks (or clover leafs) are a symbol of St. Patrick's Day because it is believed that St. Patrick used shamrocks in his teachings of Christianity. A four leafed clover is believed to be lucky because only one in every 10,000 clovers have four leaves.

Leprechaun's became a symbol of St. Patrick's Day because they too are considered lucky. Leprechauns are spirits from Irish folklore. They are mischievous shoemakers who hide in the woods making shoes all day. They hide their gold coins in black pots at the end of the rainbow. If you catch a leprechaun, he is required to tell you where he has hidden his pot of gold.

Choose one of these Saint Patricks Day Projects for Preschoolers to make during the party. Be sure to take time to do the prep work before the party so that it's quick and easy.

Breakfast:

Side Dishes:

Drinks:

Desserts: