Photos of St. Patrick's Day Ferienies | In pictures

March brings the lively spring green and with them a global celebration that is rooted in the Irish tradition: St. Patrick's Day.

Despite its importance in Irish culture, historians know little about St. Patrick. Patrick was born as Maewyn -Succat in the 5th century and was not Irish at all. It is believed that he was born in Wales as the son of a Roman-British official.

His life took a dramatic turn when he was captured by pirates as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland. After six years in captivity, he escaped and returned to Great Britain.

Patrick later went back to Ireland as a missionary and worked on converting Irish pagans into Christianity. During this time he accepted the Latin name Patricius.

Until the 10th century, the growing popularity of St. Patrick performed as a spiritual figure in Ireland. It was only in the early 17th century that his legacy was officially celebrated.

Luke Wadding, an Irish priest, successfully campaigned for the Catholic Church to determine on March 17 as a festive day in honor of St. Patrick.

Historically, the day in Ireland was a solemn occasion that was closely associated with religious compliance. But outside the country, the day gradually turned into a lively, cultural celebration, which was adopted equally by Irish immigrants and not Irish night swords.

Today tradition broadcasts its religious roots, characterized by parades, extravagant celebrations and seases of the people dressed in green – regardless of whether they have Irish heritage or not.