St. Patrick’s Day and all things Iri… uh that is… British? You may find it surprising, but St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, but instead born in Britain to wealthy parents in the late fourth century. At age 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. Patrick later escaped but returned to Ireland, bringing Christianity to its people. In the centuries following Patrick’s death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.

St. Patrick’s Influence for Christ

According to History.com, because he was familiar with the Irish language and culture, “Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish. Although there were a small number of Christians on the island when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based pagan religion. The Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick’s life became exaggerated over the centuries—spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.” For more on the life of St. Patrick and St. Patrick’s Day traditions, click here.

Have your Support Matched Dollar for Dollar

Just as St. Patrick was committed to telling others about Christ, so too is KAMB. From its beginning over 55 years ago, KAMB has been pointing the way to Jesus Christ through Christ-centered music and programming. KAMB is listener-supported, meaning we count on listeners to also pray for us and give toward the financial need of the station. Next week, March 21-24 is KAMB’s Spring Fundraiser, but you’re invited to make a gift to KAMB even before the official start by clicking here. Know that your gift given by March 20 is worth twice as much, thanks to friends who are matching each gift dollar for dollar up to $10,000. Thank you again for your generosity and for partnering with us to point the Central Valley and Central Coast to Jesus.