Английский язык, 8 класс

One of the symbols of Ireland is Saint Patrick, who is considered the man who brought Christianity to the country. His real name was Mevin Sukkat. He was from Britain. 17th of March is a national holiday in Ireland. The Irish began to celebrate the holiday since the X or XI century. Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. There are a lot of legends and stories connected with St. Patrick. One of the legend is associated with the symbol of this day - a shamrock, it is believed that Patrick used it to convey the people the essence of the Trinity: God is one in three persons as well as the three leaf clover growing on one stalk. Also there are funny St. Patrick's Day companions - leprechauns. They are the small fairy creatures, who conceal somewhere their pot with treasure. Someone who will catch them, leprechaun must tell where the treasure is stored. On St Patrick's Day, it is customary to wear shamrocks, green clothing or green accessories. The first St Patrick's Festival was held on 17 March 1996. In 1997, it became a three-day event, and by 2000 it was a four-day event. By 2006, the festival was five days long; more than 675,000 people attended the 2009 parade. Overall 2009's five-day festival saw almost 1 million visitors, who took part in festivities that included concerts, outdoor theatre performances, and fireworks.