This is a famous Irish legend. Ireland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean.

A long time ago there lived a priest in Ireland. His name was Patrick.

In Ireland there lived many snakes, too. People were afraid of snakes.

Patrick wanted to help. How could they get rid of the snakes?

He took a drum and played it loudly –and all the snakes slid away. Patrick walked all over the island, until the last snake was gone.

The people were very happy. They called Patrick a saint. Today you can't find any snakes in Ireland.

His real name wasMaewym Succat.He was kidnapped by a band of pirates and soldas a slave in Ireland, but he escapedand became a bishop.He used the three-leafshamrock to explain theconcept of Trinity.He died on March 17th.

One symbol associated withSaint Patrick’s Day is theShamrock. It is a three-leaf clover.

The three leaves representIreland’s magic number and the Holy Trinity.

Shamrocks are believed to bring goodluck.

Leprechauns are another symbol of Ireland and Saint Patrick’s day.

A leprechaun is very small Irishfairy.They’re unfriendly and mischievious.Leprechauns spend their time lookingafter their treasure: A pot of gold.

If you catch a leprechaun, he willhave to tell you where his treasure is.

Ireland is known as theEmerald isle.

Many things are greenon Saint Patrick’s day: food , clothes, drinkand even the Chicago River!

There’s even green in the Irishflag.

The legend of Saint Patrick and the images come from: http://www.grundschule-englisch.de/lets_do_it/storytelling_patrick.php