History of St. Patrick

Saint Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island.  Legend has it that Saint Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland. Although there are no snakes in Ireland, there most likely never have been.  Historians reason that the island is and always has been separated from the rest of the continent thus not allowing the migration of snakes to this area.  The legend of St. Patrick is most likely the result of snakes or serpents often being seen in older religions as symbols of evil.  Driving the snakes from Ireland was symbolic of bringing Christianity to Ireland and ending the old pagan religious practices.   It is believed that St. Patrick met with the Druids convinced them to change their beliefs accepting baptism into Christianity. 
St. Patrick used the shamrock with it’s three leaf clovers to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity (the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) being three parts of the same whole.  He is often portrayed in green and white clerical robes, high hat, and staff – holding a shamrock.