People across the world have celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17 for more than 1,500 years. Typically, those who celebrate this holiday wear green, attend parades, eat traditional Irish foods, or drink alcohol. But where did this tradition begin?

According to History, Saint Patrick was born in Britain but taken prisoner at 16 years old by a group of Irish raiders who attacked his family estate. While in captivity in Ireland for six years, Patrick worked as a shepherd and relied on Christianity for his well being. Later, Patrick escaped and returned to Britain but felt God was calling him back to Ireland to be a missionary.

He studied in Britain for 15 years before going back to those who kidnapped him. He used symbols of Irish culture, like the shamrock, to symbolize Christian concepts. His supposedly died on March 17, establishing the date of the holiday.

This year at Fresno Christian, students are encouraged to wear green clothes and are offered green masks at check-in. Also, the leadership class made every high school student a shamrock with their name on and hung it in the hallway.

Do you have a person or group you are inspired by and why? Share in the comments below.

For more articles, read Revealing the mysteries of Saint Patrick’s Day and FCS student rebuilds 61 year old car, restores family heirloom.