Did You Know…
1. …that Patrick (as in St. Patrick) was not Irish and that blue was the color that he was originally associated with? Patrick was actually born in Roman Britain, known to us as Scotland, in the 4th century. When he was 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. And although green is the national color of Ireland, the color associated with St. Patrick was a shade of sky blue according to the Order of St. Patrick which was established in 1783. [1,2] 2. …that Patrick then escaped from Ireland, returned to Britain and studied to become a priest, and then returned to Ireland again to introduce Christianity to the then polytheist (belief in more than one God) nation? According to Patrick’s Confession, God told him in a dream to escape from captivity and head to the coast so he could board a ship and return home. [1] 3. …that Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish? The Trinity is the doctrine, or belief, that God is three persons: The Father, Son & Holy Spirit while remaining one being.
St. Patrick explained the Trinity using the shamrock
That is a bit of history…Now on to some present St. Patty’s Day Celebrations…
Little Passports St. Patty’s Day Celebrations Around The World 
Across the world, people who want to celebrate head to parades and events whether they’re really “Irish” or not. Little Passports (A monthly children’s subscription service that teaches your kids about different states in the USA and new countries around the world) has shared some of the special festivities planned in each of these countries. Australia In Brisbane, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations spread over ten days and include not only a parade, Irish dancing, dinners, and boxing matches, but also a Family Sports Day which includes Gaelic Football and other Gaelic sports! 
Folk Group Photo Credit: Zvonimir Atletic / Shutterstock.com Japan In Tokyo, over 1,000 people wearing green will take part in their parade this year. They also host an International Collegiate Festival with workshops where you can learn Irish dance, play Irish music, and enjoy a full day of concerts! 
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: KengAduldej / Shutterstock.com Ireland Dublin hosts a giant four day festival featuring a parade with marching bands from all over the world. They also hold a fair with carousels, roller coasters and Ferris wheels and an Enchanted Banquet which includes a “curious evening” with plenty of erish fables, fairy tales and folklore. The festivities begin with famous buildings like the Blarney Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Bank of Ireland being lit green! 
Trinity College Photo Credit: Semmick Photo/Shutterstock.com United States The United States hosts St. Patrick’s Day parades in over 100 cities. One of the biggest is in the city of Chicago, who famously dyes its river green for the day! After the huge parade which draws thousands of people, you can head to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at the Irish American Heritage Center and listen to Irish music, dance, and of course eat good old Irish food and drinks! 
Chicago River Photo Credit: gary yim/Shutterstock.com St. Patrick’s Day is only a few days away! Sam and Sofia are trying to decide where around the world to celebrate. Will you help them decide where to go? Visit their Facebook page to vote. **The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
References: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick [1] http://abcnews.go.com/US/st-patricks-day-2013-things/story?id=18723794#3 [2]